Frank Martin, Gamecocks knocking on wood that COVID hurdle is behind them
The South Carolina men’s basketball team could get two players back this week from COVID-19 protocol, head coach Frank Martin said Monday.
Starters James Reese and Wildens Leveque and key reserves Devin Carter and Josh Gray all sat out in Saturday’s loss to Clemson after testing positive for COVID-19 last week. Martin did not disclose which of the two players could return. He said the Gamecocks won’t know their status for certain until Tuesday afternoon.
The Gamecocks (8-3) are scheduled to host Army at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Colonial Life Arena.
The short-handed Gamecocks struggled to defend Brad Brownell’s Tigers at Clemson on Saturday, losing 70-56.
“We got gut-punched last week, man,” Martin said. “The last thing we thought was COVID, because of vaccinations. We didn’t expect to be missing guys for 10 days. But it is what it is. That’s in the past. We’ll be better in practice today and we’ll line up Wednesday and hopefully play well.”
Martin reiterated Monday that he thinks COVID-19 policies in the sport need to be re-evaluated now that vaccinations are available. Martin is vaccinated, as are all but two of the Gamecocks.
“The COVID guys, they’re in a good place,” Martin said. “Knock on wood, it’s not like they’re laying in bed, close to needing a respirator. No, they’re fine. They’re perfectly fine. It’s the policies that are in place that are difficult.
“The vaccinated guys, it’s 10 days. Well, that’s what it was when we had no vaccines. Unvaccinated guys — how many negative test does an unvaccinated player have to produce before they’re allowed to play? I don’t comprehend it. You can be negative seven consecutive days, and you’re still not allowed to play.”
Next USC men’s basketball game
Who: South Carolina vs. Army
When: 3 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Colonial Life Arena in Columbia
Watch: Streaming on SEC Network Plus
This story was originally published December 20, 2021 at 11:26 AM with the headline "Frank Martin, Gamecocks knocking on wood that COVID hurdle is behind them."
