COLUMBIA, SC -- Three years ago today, the South Carolina men's basketball team punched their ticket to the Final Four for the first time in program history. 

"It doesn't feel real," said senior Duane Notice, the night USC defeated SEC rival Florida 77-70 at Madison Square Garden. "It still feels like a dream and, if it is, I don't wanna be woken up! Seen a lot of great players in college basketball wearing the net around their neck and it's an amazing experience. I don't want to take it off, but I know I gotta pass it around!"

Guard PJ Dozier said, "To be able to experience this with this group of guys and with our coaching staff... it's just that much better. From a kid from Columbia, South Carolina, being able to play for your hometown and to have this opportunity, it's a blessing."

"It feels good," said Sindarius Thornwell, who was named the "Most Outstanding Player" of the East Region. "Now, we're just dreaming of wearing the ring now. That's the only thing left is just wearing the ring."

"I love it." senior Justin McKie said of his Final Four hat. "I actually haven't looked at it. I just like wearing it."

While the celebration was going on at Madison Square Garden, the celebration was just beginning in Columbia, SC.