Breaking Down the 2025 South Carolina Basketball Recruiting Class Following Signing ……more details
Breaking Down the 2025 South Carolina Basketball Recruiting Class Following Signing ……more details
Breaking Down the 2025 South Carolina Basketball Recruiting Class Following Signing
The 2025 recruiting class for the South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball team is shaping up to be a game-changer. Under the leadership of head coach Lamont Paris, the Gamecocks have secured a remarkable group of high school prospects who bring a mix of skill, size, and athleticism. With the signing of these young talents, the program is poised to rise in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and nationally. Let’s take a deeper look at the players who will make up this significant 2025 class.
Eli Ellis – Dynamic Point Guard
Arguably the crown jewel of the 2025 South Carolina recruiting class, Eli Ellis is a dynamic point guard who can score at will. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 190 pounds, Ellis hails from Hickory, North Carolina, and plays for Moravian Prep. His offensive abilities are nothing short of impressive, as he has proven himself to be one of the most prolific scorers in his class.
Ellis brings a versatile game, capable of both scoring and facilitating. In the Overtime Elite league, he averaged 32.3 points, 7.7 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game, all while leading his team to victories against top-tier competition. His scoring versatility is evident, as he has routinely dropped 50-point games, making him a constant offensive threat. A four-star recruit and the top player in North Carolina, Ellis is ranked as the 16th-best point guard nationally, signaling that South Carolina is getting a future star. He’s expected to bring an electrifying style of play to the Gamecocks, and his ability to both create for teammates and score will be a valuable asset to the team.
Grant Polk – Three-Point Specialist
Next up is 6-foot-6 wing Grant Polk, a standout shooter from Gainesville, Virginia. Polk is renowned for his shooting range and efficiency beyond the arc. In his junior year at St. Albans School, he set school records by knocking down 95 three-pointers and scoring a total of 527 points in the season. Averaging 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, Polk displayed his well-rounded game, but it’s his ability to stretch defenses with his three-point shooting that truly sets him apart.
Polk’s combination of size and shooting ability is what makes him an intriguing prospect for South Carolina. As a three-star recruit, he brings a skill set that can immediately contribute to the Gamecocks’ offense, particularly in spacing the floor and providing another scoring option from the perimeter. His 6-foot-6 frame allows him to shoot over defenders, making him a constant threat from deep. Adding Polk to the mix gives the Gamecocks another versatile weapon on offense.
EJ Walker – Versatile Forward
EJ Walker, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward from Florence, Kentucky, brings considerable size and skill to South Carolina’s frontcourt. Known for his versatility, Walker has the ability to play both forward spots and is expected to be a force on both ends of the floor. During his junior season at Lloyd Memorial High School, he averaged 16.9 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, solidifying his reputation as a reliable scorer and elite rebounder.
Walker’s all-around game and ability to contribute in multiple areas—particularly rebounding and defense—will be valuable to the Gamecocks. His presence in the post and his ability to stretch the floor will give the team flexibility in terms of matchups. With his size and skill set, Walker is expected to be a cornerstone player for the Gamecocks in the coming years.
Hayden Assemian – Athletic Big Man
Rounding out the class is 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward Hayden Assemian from Greenville, South Carolina. Assemian has a reputation for his athleticism and explosiveness, making him a valuable addition to the Gamecocks’ frontcourt. He played alongside Eli Ellis at Moravian Prep, and his combination of athleticism, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability has garnered attention from scouts across the country.
In his junior season at Powdersville High School, Assemian averaged 15.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, and 1.7 assists per game. He helped lead his team to the 2024 3A State Championship, further solidifying his standing as one of the top prospects in South Carolina. Assemian’s athleticism and upside make him an intriguing prospect for South Carolina, and he should provide immediate depth in the Gamecocks’ frontcourt.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 South Carolina basketball recruiting class is one of the most highly anticipated in recent memory. With the addition of players like Eli Ellis, Grant Polk, EJ Walker, and Hayden Assemian, the Gamecocks are not only adding talent but also building a team that can compete at a high level in the SEC and nationally.
Each of these players brings a unique skill set to the table, and together, they will form a dynamic group capable of making an immediate impact. Whether it’s Ellis’s scoring and playmaking, Polk’s shooting, Walker’s versatility, or Assemian’s athleticism, this recruiting class has the potential to elevate South Carolina basketball to new heights.
As head coach Lamont Paris continues to build the program, these young recruits will be crucial in establishing a winning culture and taking South Carolina basketball to the next level. With this strong class now in place, the future looks bright for the Gamecocks.
