March 19, 2004

Columbia, SC – * South Carolina’s 2003-04 men’s basketball season came to a close Friday afternoon with a 59-43 NCAA first round loss to Memphis at Kansas City’s Kemper Arena. The Gamecocks finished the year 23-11 and made their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1998.

* While the loss was a disappointment on Friday, this Gamecock team had come so far since the preseason, when the media experts picked them to finish dead last in the Southeastern Conference. At the time, a postseason berth may have been the furthest thing on anyone’s minds. But, the team worked harder than ever during the off season, with 6 a.m. workouts and extra shooting practice. Last Sunday, when the team was selected to participate in this year’s version of March Madness, all the hard work had paid off.

* It was an emotional locker room following the game. Head coach Dave Odom addressed the team, pointing out the contributions of each senior — IVAN HOWELL, Sheldon Everett, Kerbrell Brown, Rolando Howell and Mike Boynton. Coach Odom said that the foundation and base that they laid would be a part of Gamecock basketball forever.

* Mike Boynton and Carlos Powell went to the media conference, along with Coach Odom. The team had not performed up to its capabilities and they knew that. Memphis was an outstanding team and on this day, was the better team. Boynton said he wouldn’t trade his experience at South Carolina for anything and that he was going to have a very difficult time taking off his uniform for the final time.

* Coach Odom was gracious in defeat. He praised John Calipari and his Memphis team. He also congratulated the Gamecock squad on a good season. Twenty-three victories and an NCAA Tournament berth would be something solid to build upon for next season.

* The team will have a dinner Friday night and depart Kansas City via charter aircraft Saturday morning. Arrival time back in Columbia is scheduled to be approximately 1:15 p.m. at Eagle Aviation.