Collins to face lifetime rival

Freshman guard Corban Collins shouldn’t need any extra motivation for Wednesday night in the PMAC, as the High Point, N.C. native faces off against hometown border rival South Carolina.

Collins said he was recruited by former Gamecock coach Darrin Horn and current head man Frank Martin.

“I knew a couple players who went there, but none are there now,” Collins said. “It’s another game. I just have to go out and give it my all.”

Superman or not?

Sophomore forward Johnny O’Bryant III told TV reporters Monday he wakes up some mornings feeling “like Superman,” but other mornings he feels “like a cripple” as he recovers from a nagging high ankle sprain.

Coach Johnny Jones joked he may have to take drastic action.

“I’m probably going to check with the [Southeastern Conference] office and see if we can change the schedule around to those mornings he’s feeling like Superman,” Jones said. “I need to know when those mornings are.”

The J-Train

Walk-on sophomore Josh Badeaux has only seen action in four games for a total of seven minutes.

That hasn’t stopped the South Lafourche product from forming a bond with his comrades and coaches.

Badeaux said his motor never stops in practice, even when he may be overshadowed by scholarship players.

“At first, I kind of just did my own thing and didn’t really talk to [the rest of the team],” Badeaux said. “Now we’re like a family. I’ve got a nickname and everything, it’s cool… I got the nickname J-Train. I never stop, I just keep going.”

Ellington revamps Gamecocks

Perusing South Carolina’s early schedule may be deceiving for the casual fan, as the Gamecocks were without guard Bruce Ellington, who doubles as a wide receiver and kick returner for the Gamecock football team.

Ellington, who caught the game-winning touchdown in the Gamecocks’ 33-28 Outback Bowl win against Michigan, brings a “totally different look” to the Gamecock basketball team, according to Jones.

“He brings toughness. He plays with a sense of urgency, has a passion for the game and has the ability to score in the open floor,” Jones said. “He can get to the rim. He can defend, a really tough on-ball defender, as well. He brings a lot of things to their basketball team that’s needed at this level.”