SOUTH CAROLINA

Coach: Frank Martin Player to watch: G Sindarius Thornwell, Sr. Path to Final Four: Marquette, Duke, Baylor, Florida

Skinny: South Carolina is also in its first-ever Final Four, but the Gamecocks’ appearance is a little more improbable. The No. 7 seed from the East finished the season with 10 losses, losing six of its last nine games, and was a complete afterthought to make it out of the first weekend. But the Gamecocks are second in the country in defensive efficiency and frustrated the likes of Duke and Baylor the past two weeks. The matchup against Gonzaga will be a great one for defensive purists, and the first to 60 might win it.

Keep an eye on: The Gamecocks’ marquee player is Thornwell. The 6-foot5 guard might be playing the best out of anyone still standing. He’s averaging 25.8 points and 7.5 rebounds in the tournament.