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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Darrin Horn always gets excited this time of year. South Carolina's coach may have even more reason for optimism these days.

The Gamecocks, who shared the top spot in the Southeastern Conference's Eastern Division with Tennessee last spring, have four starters back, including speedy star Devan Downey in Horn's second season.

Horn led the Gamecocks to a 20-win season and their best SEC mark in 11 years at 10-6. That didn't gain them a bid to the NCAA tournament, however.  That goal got a significant boost last June when two of South Carolina's key players in Downey and forward Dominique Archie opted to return for their senior seasons instead of remaining in the NBA draft.

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