May 30, 2006

Columbia, SC – Returning to the USA for the SEC’s annual Spring Meetings, USC Head Basketball Coach Dave Odom led his team to a Final Four finish in Operation Hardwood II in the Middle East. Advancing to the championship round with a perfect 3-0 record, Odom’s team defeated Alabama head coach Mark Gottfried, before falling to Kentucky head coach Tubby Smith in the semi-finals.

University of South Carolina basketball coach Dave Odom cheers his players from the sideline during a playoff game, Sunday, May 28, 2006 at Camp Arifjan. (USO photos by Mike Theiler)

In addition to coaching a team as part of Operation Hardwood II, while in Kuwait, Odom spent time learning about the military’s mission in the Middle East. Along with the other NCAA coaches on the trip, Odom took part in different training exercises, including how to escape from an overturned Humvee at Camp Arkfjan.

The USO and Armed Forces Entertainment sent top NCAA basketball coaches and sports personalities on a tour to Kuwait where they coached Military basketball teams competing in a championship tournament.