C/PF Theryn Hudson

[DallasDiehard]

This was printed in The State (South Carolina newspaper) in Friday's edition:


Odom reassures his recruits

Coach’s potential departure could influence spring signing success

By STEVE WISEMAN
Staff Writer

South Carolina coach Dave Odom spent the past two days visiting recruits in Kansas and Tennessee.

Odom, a candidate for Virginia’s coaching position, met with 6-foot-11 center Antanas Kavaliauskas at Barton County (Kan.) Community College on Wednesday and 6-9 forward Theryn Hudson of LaVergne (Tenn.) High School on Thursday.

Both players had USC among their finalists, and Hudson was on the verge of committing to the Gamecocks earlier this week before Odom was linked to the vacant job opening at Virginia.

Odom’s situation has caused both players to think twice.

Kavaliauskas, who visited USC’s campus last month, kept the Gamecocks among his final four choices, according to Barton County sports information director Mike Marzolf.

Kavaliauskas will sign with Texas A&M, USC, Virginia Tech or Tennessee, Marzlof said. He has been to Texas A&M and plans to visit Virginia Tech this weekend and Tennessee the weekend of April 15-17.

The spring signing period begins Wednesday.

Hudson has a trip to Southern Methodist scheduled for this weekend. He is also considering Middle Tennessee State.

Wortman said if Odom leaves, it could hurt the Gamecocks’ chances of landing Hudson because Odom did such a good job in the recruiting process of convincing Hudson he could play at the SEC level. The Gamecocks are the only SEC school to offer Hudson.

“Theryn needs someone who believes in him,” Wortman said.

The Gamecocks have two scholarships available for next season, and Odom’s status has complicated the spring signing period.

One national recruiting analyst is confident that the 62-year-old Odom’s reputation among the coaching community will keep USC in good standing.

“I’m sure South Carolina won’t miss a recruit because of the respect that guys have for Dave Odom within the industry,” said recruiting analyst Dave Telep of Scout.com. “If he says he needs a couple of days, they’ll give him time to assess his situation, provided he’s been honest and up front with them, which I believe he would be.”