Oct. 21, 2015

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Southeastern Conference released its preseason poll for the upcoming 2016 league campaign on Wednesday during its Media Days in Charlotte, where it was announced that the Gamecocks were predicted to finish seventh by a panel of both SEC and national media members. It was the highest predicted finish for Carolina since the league combined its East and West Divisions into one beginning with the 2012 league season.

The media predicted Kentucky to win the SEC in 2016, followed by Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, LSU, Georgia, Florida and the Gamecocks. LSU freshmen Ben Simmons was predicted the SEC Player of the Year.

South Carolina enters the 2015-16 campaign led by head coach Frank Martin in his fourth season. The Gamecocks finished last season winning four of their final six games, including two in the SEC Tournament to post a 17-16 record, Carolina’s first winning campaign since 2010. The Gamecocks return eight letterwinners, with four of those starters this season, including five of their top six scorers, led by junior guard Duane Notice, who posted 11.7 points per game last year.

South Carolina continues preseason practice for the upcoming season in advance of its lone exhibition game versus Allen at Colonial Life Arena on Nov. 8, at 4 p.m. ET.

Complete Preseason Media Poll
1. Kentucky
2. Vanderbilt
3. Texas A&M
4. LSU
5. Georgia
6. Florida
7. South Carolina
8. Mississippi State
9. Ole Miss
10. Auburn
11. Arkansas
12. Tennessee
13. Alabama
14. Missouri