South Carolina big-man Chris Silva took off in a big way in 2016-17.
Most importantly, he skyrocketed when the Gamecocks needed it most. South Carolina had just suffered a 64-53 loss in its opening round game against Alabama in the SEC Tournament and had eight days to contemplate their fate as it appeared.
There were two things the Gamecocks needed most: A return to the defense that they played in the first 23 games of the season and scorers to step up beside Sindarius Thornwell.
Enter Chris Silva.
Over the five games in the NCAA Tournament, he was money in averaging 13.8 points and 8.9 boards over that five game stretch, including 13 points and 13 boards in the narrow Final Four loss to Gonzaga. Silva was just as impressive against Duke in racking up 17 points and 10 boards in the 88-81 win in the Round of 32.
Silva, who hails from Gabon, came to Roselle Catholic in New Jersey to hone his basketball skills with the goal of playing at the next level.
As his sophomore season unfolded, he developed a mid-range jump shot, ran the floor and contributed with an array of dunks, and became the Gamecocks’ rim-protector.
Inside the Numbers
If Silva didn’t finish around the basket, he would get to the line where he made 31-of-38 shots in NCAA Tournament play. As he scored the career high of 17 points in the Duke game, Silva flashed his versatility and did it consistently.
His constant impact was immeasurable as he shot five percent higher in his sophomore season than in his freshman season, and his free throw percentage rose from 60.9 percent to 74.7 percent.
Silva also averaged 6.1 boards per game – second behind Thornwell – and blocked 51 shots on the year.
What They’re Saying
“Player development is the dearest thing to me in my heart. Chris took a huge jump as a player from freshman to sophomore year. It’s by progression that both guys (including post Main Kotsar) played out of the low post.
Now with both guys it’s a matter of progressing their team to play more facing the basket, to shoot jump shots and do the little things they need to improve.” – Frank Martin on the Marching to Madness podcast
Analysis
Silva developed his aggression on both ends of the floor last season and became a force inside.
His athleticism allowed him to get out on the break and follow shots with his rebounding.
He turned into a shot blocking dynamo that used his body and length to alter opponents shots once the basketball was inside in paint.
For the Gamecocks to stay in the mix in a highly-competitive SEC, Silva’s game must take an even bigger step forward this season.