A fresh start is just what's needed for North Carolina A&T and South Carolina.

After disappointing seasons a year ago, one of them will enjoy success when the programs meet in the season opener on Tuesday at Columbia, S.C.

"One of the more exciting parts of this job is to try to get everybody on the same page," said Gamecocks coach Lamont Paris, whose team will begin the season with four consecutive home games.

The biggest storyline around the South Carolina team might be the return of guard Meechie Johnson for his second stint with the Gamecocks. He has started 62 games with the team, but he spent last season at Ohio State.

Now, he's back as a potential headliner for a team that went 12-20 last season, including 2-16 in Southeastern Conference play.

"We've talked about it as a staff:

See Full Page