Junior guard Kory Holden decides to leave South Carolina basketball team

The South Carolina Gamecocks are preparing for an important game against the SEC-leading Auburn Tigers on Saturday, but now they’ll have to do so down a player.

That’s because, on Saturday, backup guard Kory Holden decided to leave the team, according to reports.

Holden, a junior, transferred into the program from Delaware before last season and sat out the year due to NCAA transfer rules:

JUST IN: Kory Holden has left the men's basketball team.

— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) February 17, 2018

No reason given for Holden's departure except that he decided to leave. He's been injured most of the season. Would still have a year of eligibility if he wants to use it.

— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) February 17, 2018

Holden was a big part of his team at Delaware, but was playing only 11 minutes a game so far this year. He’s averaging only 3.4 points, 1.5 assists and 1.3 rebounds per game.

Naturally, since this is always how these things always seem to play out, Holden is the player featured on tickets for Saturday’s game against Auburn:

And featured on today's game ticket: Kory Holden. pic.twitter.com/qaTndg0C6K

— David Cloninger (@DCPandC) February 17, 2018

Now, coach Frank Martin will have to figure out how to overcome Holden’s absence as the Gamecocks move forward in their disappointing season after making the Final Four last year.

Adam Spencer

Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.