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College basketball week 4: 5 biggest takeaways

By Chris Stone

Dec 3, 2016; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) dribbles the ball up court against the Saint Joseph
Dec 3, 2016; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) dribbles the ball up court against the Saint Joseph /
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Dec 1, 2016; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) looks to pass around Vermont Catamounts guard Josh Hearlihy (1) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2016; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) looks to pass around Vermont Catamounts guard Josh Hearlihy (1) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports /

5. South Carolina suspends Sindarius Thornwell; now what?

The South Carolina Gamecocks didn’t start the season ranked in the top 25, but they’ve thrust their way into the conversation with an 8-0 start and wins over Monmouth, Michigan and Syracuse. On Sunday, though, the team announced the suspension of its leading scorer, Sindarius Thornwell, with sources telling The State that Thornwell will miss multiple games due to a violation of athletic department policy.

Thornwell has been spectacular for the Gamecocks this season, averaging 24.7 points per 40 minutes while shooting nearly 50 percent from behind the three-point arc. He is also the team’s leader in rebounds and assists while posting strong block and steal rates on the defensive end. Among players who have played more than 200 minutes this season, no player in the country has been more valuable to his team than Thornwell, according to Box Plus/Minus.

Next: Week 5 Projected Top 25 Rankings

So, what happens next for South Carolina? The Gamecocks face two opponents — Seton Hall and Clemson — in their next three games who are ranked in the top 50 at KenPom. Those are not guaranteed losses nor will they irreparably damage an NCAA Tournament resume, but they will present tough challenges for a team that will be trying to find a new identity without Thornwell in uniform. After that, it’s just a question of how long the Gamecocks will be without their star.