Cam Scott is willing to wait for his chance at stardom

COLUMBIA Cam Scott is playing.

Hes been in every one of South Carolinas 11 games, and he stands to play in the 12th when the Gamecocks host Radford on Sunday to conclude their pre-Christmas schedule.

Its just ...

well ...

He isnt playing much , and that obviously means he isnt scoring much, as in under three points per game in 13.3 minutes per contest.

This from a Top-50 national prospect that committed to Texas, then switched to USC after scoring more points than anyone in Lexington High School history, twice named the states Gatorade Player of the Year.

Whats the deal? This is a Gamecocks team that lost three integral pieces of its 26-win NCAA Tournament squad last year and needed an infusion of talent, and if Texas and Alabama and Auburn and Ole Miss and Oregon and a whole bunch of other schools also wanted this guy, he definitely seems like a Day 1 starter.

Through all the hype and headlines and people whispering upon his signing that the Gamecocks had just picked up another one-and-done NBA player, Scott wasnt saying that.

He knew he was an incredible high-school talent, and he will be an incredible college talent.

Someday.

Not today.

Most of it is something the naked eye probably doesnt see.

Im just letting it play out, he said.

I know my time will come.

Whenever the time comes, Ill be ready for it.

He wasnt sullen, moody, angry or refusing to answer.

He was matter-of-fact, confident, relaxed.

This is a growing process, and hes growing.

Of course hed like to be out there doing what he did at Lexington, and there are moments where he does, like that dazzling baseline drive against Mercer where he saw the help defense coming to block his shot off the backboard, so he smoothly pulled it back and laid it in on the reverse .

But he also understands his place in line; that he has to get better at all facets of the game, and thats only going to come as he continues to do what hes done since he enrolled.

Some of the things that have been presented to him are challenges, in terms of playing at the level that some might perceive he should play as a freshman, but he and I are focused on the growth.

And hes on a good track right now, coach Lamont Paris said.

He's got a phenomenal attitude at practice.

Hes a great teammate.

Hes willing to work hard at things most guys arent willing to work hard at.

Defense.

Watching film.

Realizing that while he is still one of the best ever seen at winning a one-on-one matchup, absolutely knowing he can break down his man off the dribble, take advantage of that screen and soar for a two-handed dunk , hes one of five on the floor.

Im definitely still trying to grasp some of the smaller things.

From a rules standpoint, it came pretty easy.

But going out there and doing it for yourself naturally, without a coach coming to tell you, thats one of those things you have to naturally adapt to, Scott said.

I want to be a complete player.

You find yourself making the team better.

Carey Rich Columbia-born, USC-raised and today Paris right-hand man has been around Midlands basketball for over three decades.

Hes seen the crop of talent that has passed through every year, ranks Scott as one of the most gifted hes ever seen, and is viewing Scotts journey through an observational lens.

I think hes been superb in how hes handled it.

With todays world of high-level college athletics, theres such a rush to be successful right away.

Add that hes a local kid, a high-ranking kid, it gets so magnified, Rich said.

I think the one thing that gets lost is regardless of what his desire is, its a really, really hard transition from high school to the highest level of college basketball.

The logistics are numerous.

Because the COVID year continues to linger in terms of eligibility, and the transfer portal offers a chance to rebuild a team on the fly, opponents often feature players that are 23-25 years old.

Scott turned 19 in September.

And even though the Gamecocks had numerous holes to fill in their lineup last year, Paris wasnt going to just shove in a guy who had massive numbers in high school.

He recruited a veteran point guard (Jamarii Thomas) and a veteran center (Nick Pringle) from the portal to add to veteran Myles Stute, sophomore stud Collin Murray-Boyles and after starting veteran Zach Davis in Game 1, switched to veteran Jacobi Wright thereafter.

It isnt a punishment.

Its patience.

The Gamecocks have to go with the guys that helped get them there last year, and if Scott can crack that rotation later, hell be welcomed.

But each side is willing to wait.

Honestly, its been fun.

Some adjustments you just have to make.

Having everybody around me makes me better, Scott said.

It obviously hasnt been the perfect freshman dream, but being able to fight back through that and be able to provide what I can is fun.

The pressure to be good is notable.

It was only two years ago that GG Jackson stayed home, also after a commitment to another school and an about-face, played a season where he led the Gamecocks in scoring and rebounding and then departed for the NBA.

It was only five years ago that Seventh Woods, who also spurned USC out of high school, transferred back home for a year.

It is a tale of two talents.

Jackson was skilled but immature; he became as known for his off-the-court exploits and public pouting as he did for his sizable game.

Its a credit to him that he overcame a low draft pick to flourish in the NBA, becoming a second-team all-rookie selection.

Woods? Great attitude, great kid, never a spot of bother from him.

But his college career never touched the legend of him as a prep player, a rollercoaster at North Carolina becoming a stint at USC that was hindered by a serious medical condition.

The outside noise is asking where Scott fits on a slide rule between Jackson and Woods, which is unfair.

First because its way too soon to say what Scott will eventually be; second because it creates a question if its an absolute that star play and being a great teammate dont mix.

I would more so compare him to P.J.

Dozier, Rich said.

P.J.

was obviously a high-ranking kid.

It was a tough adjustment for him defensively.

He knew the challenges, he embraced them, the following year (when Dozier was a sophomore), look what happened.

Hes still in the NBA.

Doziers second and final season at USC culminated in the programs greatest moment: the 2017 Final Four.

If thats in store for Scott, hey, no one minds the relative silence at present.

I first felt the pressure in the seventh grade, when I was told I wasnt going to play middle-school basketball again, Scott said, pointing out that he was so head and shoulders above anyone else that he was a high-school varsity starter at 14.

I dont need to go out there and have 700 points a game.

It will come.

No doubt in anyones mind.

Impatience and instant results are reflections of modern society but Scott feels no demand to rush whats incrementally improving.

Its not going to be pretty all of the time, and the ugly is going to show in front of everybody, Rich said.

Hes been a willing learner, listener, a willing worker and hes been a great teammate.

His lack of success hasnt impacted who he is as a basketball player.

Scott is at peace with where he is.

The hunger to be better is always there; nothing can sate his appetite.

But if the meal isnt fully prepared, hell keep hovering around the kitchen.

I like to hear a little bit from everybody.

From what they see, what I see, how we can come to a nice little agreement and see what we can get better at, as a team, Scott said.

Things I can do better, what I can improve on.

We got our best basketball game coming up.

As does he..

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