As the South Carolina Gamecocks gear up for the 2025-2026 basketball season, both the men’s and women’s programs are entering a pivotal chapter. With key roster changes and big ambitions, the focus is clear: build, adapt, and compete at the highest level.
Men’s Basketball
After a tough 12-20 finish last season, head coach Lamont Paris and the men’s team are hitting reset in a big way. The Gamecocks have been active in the transfer portal, bringing in fresh talent with real potential to turn things around.
-
Treysen Eaglestaff, a scoring machine from North Dakota, headlines the newcomers. After dropping 51 points in one game and 40 in another, he’s proven he can light up the scoreboard. He averaged 18.9 points last season, and if he adjusts well to SEC play, he could be a real problem for opposing defenses.
-
Kobe Knox, a 6’5″ guard from South Florida, brings solid production and a physical presence. His 10.8 points and 3.1 rebounds per game last year suggest he’ll be a reliable two-way contributor in Columbia.
-
In the paint, Christ Essandoko, a 7-footer from Providence, provides much-needed size. He’s expected to help shore up the team’s interior defense and give South Carolina a true post presence they’ve been missing.
Of course, not all the news is about arrivals. The program also saw the departure of former top recruit Cam Scott, who entered the transfer portal after a quiet freshman year. Junior guard Zachary Davis, a steady contributor who started 19 games, has also moved on.
Still, there’s reason for optimism. Juniors Jordan Butler and Arden Conyers are staying put, bringing experience and leadership to a team in transition. If the chemistry clicks, this could be one of the more intriguing rebuilds in the SEC.
Women’s Basketball
Over on the women’s side, expectations are, as always, sky-high. With Dawn Staley at head coach, the Gamecocks remain one of the premier programs in college basketball. The mission this offseason? Blend proven returners with elite newcomers—and keep the standard where it’s always been.
Leading the way are returning standouts like MiLaysia Fulwiley, Tessa Johnson, Joyce Edwards, Chloe Kitts, Adhel Tac, and Maddy McDaniel. This core brings talent, chemistry, and deep tournament experience—an ideal foundation for another title push.
South Carolina is also welcoming two McDonald’s All-Americans to the fold:
-
Agot Makeer, a versatile 6’1″ wing out of Montverde Academy, chose the Gamecocks over heavy hitters like UConn and Michigan State. That says a lot about the program’s recruiting reach.
-
Ayla McDowell, a 6’2″ wing from Texas, adds size and flexibility. She’ll be a valuable piece in what’s shaping up to be another deep rotation.
Staley isn’t done building either. She’s expected to stay active in the transfer portal, and one name to watch is Ta’Niya Latson, the electric scorer from Florida State who averaged 25.2 points per game. If she lands in Columbia, it could be a game-changer.
There are holes to fill, though. Seniors Bree Hall, Sania Feagin, Te-Hina Paopao, and Sakima Walker have moved on, and the program is also searching for a new assistant coach after Winston Gandy took over at Grand Canyon University.
With smart additions, strong leadership, and a championship culture already in place, both the men’s and women’s programs are positioned to make real noise this season. The pieces are coming together. Now, it’s time to see what they can do.
