Cock-A-Doodle Brew 12/20: About that time

Today: First points, the gift that keeps on giving, and more.

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Good morning. Big congrats are in order for GG Jackson for scoring his first NBA points!

What else is happening in today’s Brew? ⤵️

🏈 A better leader
📅 Almost that time
🤙 And much, much more

🎥 GAMECOCKS+

The freshman phenom went viral in her first collegiate game ever, catching the attention of Magic Johnson and Kevin Durant. Whether it's the behind-the-back passes, the fantastic finishes, seemingly limitless shooting range, defense, or insane handles, MiLaysia Fulwiley is worth the price of admission. We haven't even gotten into conference play in her freshman season, but the local product has put together enough tape to make her mark.

Join Bill Gunter and women's basketball play-by-play commentator, Brad Muller, as we discuss what Fulwiley brings to the Garnet & Black in this edition of Breaking Down Ball.

📈 STOCK UP

🔼 Keep Rolling. Gamecock men’s and women’s basketball kept the momentum strong last night with both squads picking up big wins. Coach Staley’s team beat Bowling Green, 93-62, on the road, while Coach Paris’ crew took care of Winthrop, 72-62, at home. Chloe Kitts led the way for South Carolina women’s hoops with 21 points, while Meechie Johnson posted 20.

🔼 School Bells. Five Gamecocks landed on the 2023 Academic All-District football team. Congratulations go out to Stone Blanton, Mitch Jeter, Tyreek Johnson, Trey Knox, and Keenan Nelson Jr. for their performance on the field and in the classroom!

🔼 A Better Leader. As he preps for the NFL Draft, Spencer Rattler continues to reflect on his career in the Garnet & Black. What is Rattler most proud of doing in Columbia?

“Overall, becoming a better leader. Going through last year and being new, I wanted to show who I am and gain the trust of my teammates,” Rattler said. “I was very lucky to be voted a team captain last year, and this year as well. It’s an honor to be a captain at this university and I don’t take that lightly. I’m just happy I could gain the trust of my teammates and build so many close relationships that we’ll be close 10-20 years down the line. Creating relationships, becoming a better player, I feel like under Coach Beamer and then when Dowell comes in, he’s taught me so much about the game, him and Sean Ryan. I just learned so much about the game.”

🔼 Hold Serve. We’re ready for spring weather and Gamecock tennis! South Carolina men’s tennis coach Josh Goffi and women’s tennis coach Kevin Epley released their team’s spring slates yesterday.

🔼 One-To-One. Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk made the most of the opportunity when it knocked last week. Bosmans-Verdonk played 14 minutes on Saturday and finished the game with six points and four boards as the Gamecocks beat Charleston Southern. After the game, head coach Lamont Paris talked more about what he saw from Bosmans-Verdonk last week that led to his strong performance over the weekend:

“It’s not always a one-to-one translation from what you do at practice to what you do in the game. But he did. He had a really good last couple of days of practice. It’s just who’s going to do what consistently was going to be how minutes are determined…He had the most juice out of that second group of bigs.”

🔼 Almost That Time. The Gamecocks are gearing up for SEC play after the New Year, and head coach Lamont Paris knows there are always areas to tighten up as South Carolina embarks on tough conference play. Read more about Coach Paris’ points of emphasis for his squad as the team gets ready to take on the SEC.

🤔 GAMECOCK TRIVIA

Road Win. South Carolina men’s hoops scored a monumental SEC win last season, knocking off Kentucky, 71-68, at Rupp Arena. Who led the Gamecocks in scoring that night?

Got it? Scroll down to the bottom of this email for the right answer!

📬 STICK WITH US

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📬 A LOOK AHEAD AT THE REST OF 2023

Friday 12/22

🏀 Men’s Basketball vs. Elon @ 6:00pm ET on SEC Network | Tickets

Saturday 12/30

🏀 Women’s Basketball @ East Carolina @ 12:00pm ET on ESPN2

🏀 Men’s Basketball vs. Florida A&M @ 2:00pm ET on SEC Network+ | Tickets

🎉 TRIVIA ANSWER

Answer: Meechie Johnson and GG Jackson teamed up for a dominant performance, with Meechie scoring 26 and GG adding 16 in the huge win.

🤙 Have a good Wednesday, y’all.