morgan n' 7
12-06-2007, 03:19 AM
Downey issues own challenge to Gamecocks
USC faces Providence in Philadelphia in initial SEC-Big East Challenge
Published: Thursday, December 6, 2007 - 2:00 am
By Rick Scoppe
COLUMBIA BUREAU
COLUMBIA -- Like the rest of his teammates, point guard Devan Downey wasn't available to talk to reporters Wednesday before the University of South Carolina flew to Philadelphia to face Providence College in the first SEC-Big East Challenge tonight.
But maybe he had said enough after questioning how hard the Gamecocks are playing and saying they wouldn't even make the NIT after an 85-74 loss at No. 18 Clemson University on Saturday.
Coach Dave Odom said he was "not terribly disappointed" with Downey's comments and didn't sense they caused any problems with his teammates.
"Sometimes you stick your foot in your mouth before you know what it tastes like," Odom said, "and I think that's kind of what happened. I don't look at that as a bad thing.
"It's kind of like my mother used to say to me, 'I love your taste, but I question your judgment.' I liked the fact that he challenged everybody, but maybe he could have done it in a little different way."
Odom said he addressed Downey's comments with the team but did not ask Downey to apologize to his teammates.
The best way to make amends, Odom said, "is you show them" by playing hard and better, especially on defense, where Downey has struggled while continuing to lead USC in scoring (18.1 points), assists (38) and steals (26).
Odom said Downey, who often takes chances that leave USC's defense in trouble, isn't alone in the need to play better. Odom said defense had been a "huge emphasis" as the Gamecocks (4-4) prepared for Providence (5-2).
"We must get tougher on defense," he said.
In his search for a "real, true stopper," Odom challenged his players. So far, no one has emerged, although he said senior Dwayne Day, known more for his shooting, has "taken a baby step" toward that.
"We've got to get to the point where it really matters if we give up baskets," Odom said. "Sometimes you give up a basket and it's like, 'Play on, play on.' And it can't be that. It's got to make a difference. When it makes a difference, then it'll stop." Briefly: Odom was unsure about his starting lineup, saying he might give freshman center Mike Holmes his first start since the Southern Cal game. ...
USC guard Brandis Raley-Ross is hitting 67.9 percent of his 3-pointers (19 of 28). ... Providence has five players averaging in double figures and is forcing opponents into an average of 20 turnovers per game. ... The Friars have wins against Temple (66-64), Arkansas (67-51) and Boston College (98-89 in overtime) but are coming off a 77-60 loss at Rhode Island.
USC faces Providence in Philadelphia in initial SEC-Big East Challenge
Published: Thursday, December 6, 2007 - 2:00 am
By Rick Scoppe
COLUMBIA BUREAU
COLUMBIA -- Like the rest of his teammates, point guard Devan Downey wasn't available to talk to reporters Wednesday before the University of South Carolina flew to Philadelphia to face Providence College in the first SEC-Big East Challenge tonight.
But maybe he had said enough after questioning how hard the Gamecocks are playing and saying they wouldn't even make the NIT after an 85-74 loss at No. 18 Clemson University on Saturday.
Coach Dave Odom said he was "not terribly disappointed" with Downey's comments and didn't sense they caused any problems with his teammates.
"Sometimes you stick your foot in your mouth before you know what it tastes like," Odom said, "and I think that's kind of what happened. I don't look at that as a bad thing.
"It's kind of like my mother used to say to me, 'I love your taste, but I question your judgment.' I liked the fact that he challenged everybody, but maybe he could have done it in a little different way."
Odom said he addressed Downey's comments with the team but did not ask Downey to apologize to his teammates.
The best way to make amends, Odom said, "is you show them" by playing hard and better, especially on defense, where Downey has struggled while continuing to lead USC in scoring (18.1 points), assists (38) and steals (26).
Odom said Downey, who often takes chances that leave USC's defense in trouble, isn't alone in the need to play better. Odom said defense had been a "huge emphasis" as the Gamecocks (4-4) prepared for Providence (5-2).
"We must get tougher on defense," he said.
In his search for a "real, true stopper," Odom challenged his players. So far, no one has emerged, although he said senior Dwayne Day, known more for his shooting, has "taken a baby step" toward that.
"We've got to get to the point where it really matters if we give up baskets," Odom said. "Sometimes you give up a basket and it's like, 'Play on, play on.' And it can't be that. It's got to make a difference. When it makes a difference, then it'll stop." Briefly: Odom was unsure about his starting lineup, saying he might give freshman center Mike Holmes his first start since the Southern Cal game. ...
USC guard Brandis Raley-Ross is hitting 67.9 percent of his 3-pointers (19 of 28). ... Providence has five players averaging in double figures and is forcing opponents into an average of 20 turnovers per game. ... The Friars have wins against Temple (66-64), Arkansas (67-51) and Boston College (98-89 in overtime) but are coming off a 77-60 loss at Rhode Island.