Since conference expansion has yet to cross international borders, South Carolina’s Saturday matchup with Michigan will have to serve as A.J. Lawson’s homecoming game.
David Cooper, Lawson’s former coach at GTA Prep in Ontario, will be among several friends and family members in attendance at the Crisler Center as the Gamecocks (4-3) will try to stun the No. 5 Wolverines (9-0). It’s five-hour drive from Lawson’s home base in Canada to Ann Arbor. The freshman guard is sure to spot familiar faces in the crowd, but also on the opposing team.
Both USC and UM are led in scoring by rookies from the north.