Hall of Fame Series: No. 1 South Carolina vs. Michigan WBB, No. 19 Texas vs. Ohio State MBB

 South Carolina and Michigan matchup for the first time with both programs at different ends of the college basketball spectrum.

The Gamecocks search for their third national title in the last four seasons, while the Wolverines enter the 2024 campaign with arguably a brand new team than last year. A roster filled with returners and preseason awards, South Carolina looks to start its season on a high note after last season's 38-0 record. 

• 🏆 South Carolina
  • Ranked No.1 in preseason AP Top 25 poll for fourth time in five seasons
  • Return four out of five starters from last year’s national championship team
    • Lost scoring and rebounding leader center Kamilia Cardoso to WNBA draft
  • Seven players named to preseason award watch lists or conference honors
    • MiLaysia Fulwiley: Naismith Trophy Women’s Player of the Year; Ann Meyers Drysdale Award; Preseason All-SEC second team 
    • Raven Johnson: Naismith Trophy Women’s Player of the Year; Nancy Lieberman Award; Preseason All-SEC second team 
    • Te-Hina Paopao: Naismith Trophy Women’s Player of the Year; Nancy Lieberman Award; Preseason All-SEC first team 
    • Bree Hall: Ann Meyers Drysdale Award
    • Maryam Dauda: Cheryl Miller Award
    • Sania Feagin: Katrina McClain Award
    • Sakima Walker: Lisa Leslie Award
  • 12 games against preseason AP Top 25 teams and four road/neutral contests against top-10 teams
     
• 🔵🟡 Michigan
  • Returns just four players from the 2023-24 roster
    • Senior guard Jordan Hobbs is the only player that played 10 minutes or more per game, averaging 9.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game
  • Secured the No. 8 ranked freshman class in the nation according to ESPN — highest-ranked recruiting class in program history
    • Welcomed in two five-star recruits in the same class in Syla Swords and Olivia Olson for the first time ever
  • Beat Northwood 81-52 in an exhibition on Oct. 27 behind Olson’s 22 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Mia Holloway picked up 15 points, while the team forced 25 turnovers
  • Both program wins against a top-5 team came during the 2021-22 season in Baylor and Indiana

    Your latest update of highlights from the exhibition win over Northwood 😤

    — Big Ten Women's Basketball (@B1Gwbball)

    • Bears and Hoosiers were ranked No. 5 at the time 

Texas — Freshman guard Tre Johnson

Losing its top four scorers from the 2023-24 season, the Longhorns will search for new players to step up in a big way. 

Enter Johnson.

The five-star recruit found the bottom of the basket with ease in high school are is already believed to do the same at the next level. He was named to the Naismith Trophy Men's College Player of the Year Watch List, Jerry West Award preseason Watch List and coaches' preseason All-SEC third team.

Of course, the Longhorns will expect veteran transfers like guard Tramon Marks and forward Arthur Kaluma to make an impact, but Johnson could be what sets Texas apart from the pack.

ANOTHER ONE 🤯🤘 |

— Texas Men’s Basketball (@TexasMBB)

Ohio State — Junior guard Bruce Thorton 

Even though the Buckeyes return just two starters from last season, they arguably bring back their most important piece in Thornton. 

A 2024 All-Big Ten third team selection, he led the team in points (15.7), assists (4.8) and steals per game (1.2), alongside the second-best assist-to-turnover ratio (168-to-42) in the country. There’s a reason he was named to the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Men’s College Player of the Year Watch List.

It’s clear that Ohio State’s production has run through Thornton in the past, emphasizing why his success is imperative for OSU this year and against ranked opponents like Texas. 

He’s one of the best guards in the country and he wears scarlet & gray 🌰

Congrats to our guy BT on being named to the 2024-25 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Men’s College Player of the Year Watch List 📝 |

— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops)