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The surprising South Carolina Gamecock basketball team looked like it would put just one of its three new faces on the court this season, that being freshman point guard Marcus Stroman. Fellow signees TeMarcus Blanton and Shamiek Sheppard suffered injuries over the summer that seemed to indicate a redshirt season was in store for each. But according to head coach Frank Martin, the 6'6" small forward is ahead of schedule and could stand to see the court this season:
Shamiek Sheppard practiced today for the first time. His repaired knee tested stronger than the other one. Had no issues.
— David Cloninger (@DCTheState) December 29, 2014
Martin leaves open the possibility of Sheppard playing this year. Will leave it up to Sheppard. If he wants to burn the redshirt, he can.
— David Cloninger (@DCTheState) December 29, 2014
Depends on how good Sheppard is feeling, and if he has any issues from practicing today. But he's a month ahead of schedule in rehab.
— David Cloninger (@DCTheState) December 29, 2014
Sheppard was rated a 3-star recruit out of high school, and signed with South Carolina after playing a year at Fishburne Military School in Waynesboro, VA.
South Carolina, currently riding a four game winning streak, plays North Carolina A&T on Tuesday, December 30 at 7:00 PM in Columbia.