Where Are the 2017 Final Four Gamecocks Now?

The 2016-17 South Carolina Gamecocks made history with the best NCAA Tournament run in program history, reaching the Final Four as a No. 7 seed. It was the program’s first time advancing past the Sweet 16, and they did so by taking down some of the biggest names in college basketball, including Duke and Florida.

South Carolina had a dominant basketball program in the 1970s under Hall of Fame coach Frank McGuire, winning ACC titles and producing NBA talent like Tom Owens and others . However, after McGuire's departure, the program struggled to maintain national relevance. That changed when in-state star Sindarius Thornwell committed to the Gamecocks, followed by fellow five-star recruit P.J. Dozier.

In 2016, South Carolina finished 25-9 but was controversially left out of the NCAA Tournament. The following season, they went 25-11, finished third in the SEC, and secured a No. 7 seed in the Big Dance. Led by SEC Player of the Year and First-Team All-American Sindarius Thornwell, the Gamecocks upset Marquette, Duke, Baylor, and Florida before falling to Gonzaga in the Final Four. Thornwell, battling illness, still gave a strong effort in the loss, leaving fans wondering what could have been if he were fully healthy.

The 2017 squad is considered one of the best No. 7 seeds in tournament history, defeating teams loaded with NBA talent—including future stars like Jayson Tatum, Rui Hachimura, Zach Collins, and Luke Kennard. Now, nearly a decade later, where are the key players from that legendary run?

SG Sindarius Thornwell

Thornwell was selected 48th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks and traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. He played in the NBA from 2017 to 2021, suiting up for the Clippers, Cavaliers, Pelicans, and Magic. He also spent time in the G League before heading overseas.