Veterans Take on Roles as Leaders, Anchors, and Enforcers

From Spurs & Feathers

With a big class of talented newcomers, South Carolina will depend on veteran leadership to help the team navigate the rigors of a full conference schedule. Whether it’s providing a spark, motivation, or a sense of calm in the heat of the action, senior Keyshawn Bryant, and juniors Wildens Leveque and Jermaine Couisnard will be counted upon for their individual skills as well as the direction they can provide for the team, on and off the court.

“Being here as a veteran for three years, I need to help out the new guys and the bigs on the court, and be sort of an anchor,” Leveque said.

“My role is just to be here for everybody and make sure they all hear my voice,” Bryant said. “Having been here for four years, I know the ropes, and I can be Coach’s wing man. I think we’ve stepped into a leadership role without having to be asked.”

“My role is to be a leader and somebody the young guys can come to and ask questions when things get rough,” Couisnard said. “I’ve been down that road. I can help control the emotions of the game where you can never get too high or too low.” The trio also recognize the importance of their fellow veteran teammates.

“They’re anchors for the team,” Couisnard said of Bryant and Leveque. “Wildens is going to be great this year. He’s stronger mentally and physically. Keyshawn is becoming more of a vocal leader. He has improved his jump shot and his game IQ is better.”
 

“The culture here is that we play for each other. Everyone does their job with passion”
– Wildens Leveque

“Wildens is the enforcer of the team,” Bryant said. “He’s got all the tools down there. There is never a day where Wildens doesn’t come in and give his all. Jermaine always brings his energy. He’s going to push you to be the best. He’s the guy that will get on us so that Coach doesn’t have to get on us.”

Wildens Leveque

“Jermaine is a big voice, and he keeps us together,” Leveque said. “Keyshawn is a vocal leader who gives us energy.”

As they take on their leadership roles, the three veterans also understand that they need to continue to improve their own games.

“I’m a downhill driver, and I’ve been working on my mid-range game,” Bryant said. “Where I need to improve the most is on my three-point game.”

“I want to improve my shooting percentages and my turnover ratio,” Couisnard said. “I need to take care of the basketball and know what’s a good shot and what’s a bad shot.”

Now that the season is set to begin, the Gamecocks have put last year behind them and are looking ahead.

“I’m looking forward to us getting started off on the right foot,” Couisnard said. “We can’t let anything bring us down. We don’t want certain wins or losses to define us. We’re building good, close relationships with each other, and I want to see how far it can take us by feeding off each other. I really want to win the SEC Championship. If you win that, you’re going to make the NCAA Tournament. I don’t care about personal goals. I just want to win.”

“The culture here is that we play for each other,” Leveque said. “Everyone does their job with passion. I really care about this team a lot. I’m looking forward to connecting and growing as a team and having fun. I think this team can go really far if we stay together and listen to Coach Frank.”

“I look at this as a new start,” Bryant said. “We’ve got a new team, and we’ve got high spirits. My goal is for us to get to March Madness!”