And Roche pulls for the Cougs!

Who does John Roche want to win in tonight's matchup between CofC and USC? The Cougs of course! Although there is much speculation why arguably the greatest college basketball player to wear a South Carolina jersey (#11), John Roche (pronounced Roach) has returned to the Palmetto State (on official basketball visits) only twice since graduating in 1971, he did come to the Holy City this past weekend with his wife Jackie to watch the Cougs play App. State and to visit with their friends, Bobby and Carolyn Cremins. Don’t take it (that Roche is pulling for the Cougars in tonight’s game) personally Gamecocks, because as Mr. Roche told the State Newspaper, "That personal connection supersedes any institutional connection."

Roche's stats: John Roche was one of legendary Gamecock coach Frank McGuire's "Starting Five", a 6'3", 170 lbs, shooting guard who left his mark as a 3-time All American, twice voted ACC Player of the Year ('69 & '70) and he helped lead the Gamecocks to their first #1 ranking in college basketball, only ACC Title and their first NCAA Tournament. Roche was drafted in the 1st round (14th overall) into the NBA in '71 by the Phoenix Suns, was traded to the ABA's New Jersey Nets in '72 (where he met Coach Kresse) played for the Kentucky Colonels from '73 to '74 (see photo: courtesy of Remember the ABA). Mr. Roche then played one year for both the Utah Stars and the Los Angeles Lakers in '76. Roche finished his career playing for the Denver Nuggets where he also earned his law degree (Univ. of Denver College of Law). After retiring from pro-ball in '81, he and his wife made their home in Denver, Roche now works as a complex commercial and securities lawyer for Snell & Wilmer, LLC.

John Roche was elected into the Univ. of South Carolina Hall of Fame in 1979.