Believe in South Carolina? OK

After South Carolina beat Kentucky on Saturday, guard Zam Fredrick saw the game as validation of the Gamecocks as a quality team on the national scene.

South Carolina had not won at Kentucky since 1997.

When asked what beating UK 78-77 would do for the South Carolina program, Fredrick said it could serve “just to get people to believe we’re a legitimate team. We need to be looked at like a force.

“We’re not getting respect.”

South Carolina earned my respect. I placed the Gamecocks on my top 25 ballot for this coming week. South Carolina came in at No. 23 and were the only Southeastern Conference team to make it.

By the way, Devan Downey, whose shot with 3.2 seconds left enabled South Carolina to beat Kentucky, sounded more philosophical about the rankings.

“We talk like that,” he said when told of Fredrick’s no-respect comment. “As long as we keep doing what we do, we’ll be fine.”

South Carolina has two victories over ranked teams — 85-84 at then No. 19 Baylor and the miracle 70-69 victory over then No. 24 Florida. Throw in a victory at Kentucky (whether the Cats are ranked or not, that’s not to be dismissed), and I’m convinced.

Kentucky, perhaps over-valued at No. 17 on last week’s ballot, fell out after losing two games. I still think the Cats are of top 25 quality. But poor play in losing at Ole Miss, then a home loss seemed too much to overlook.

Florida fell from No. 21 to off the ballot after an ugly blowout loss at Tennessee Saturday night.

I’ve been keeping an eye on LSU all season. But I can’t quite pull the trigger yet. The Tigers’ 85-68 victory over South Carolina on Jan. 14 has me squirming.

As an aside, several e-mails arrived after I left Purdue off the ballot last week. I compensated by placing Purdue at No. 12 and drinking a boilermaker this week.

Here’s the ballot:
Jerry Tipton Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader (Please let me know how Kentucky does in the voting. thanks)
1. Connecticut
2. Duke
3. Oklahoma
4. North Carolina
5. Louisville
6. Pittsburgh
7. Marquette
8. Wake Forest
9. Xavier
10. Clemson
11. Butler
12. Purdue
13. Texas
14. Michigan State
15. Memphis
16. Villanova
17. Minnesota
18. Syracuse
19. UCLA
20. Washington
21. Gonzaga
22. Kansas
23. South Carolina
24. Arizona State
25. West Virginia