South Carolina basketball recruit earns All-American honors

From the world of South Carolina basketball, we have a major update on Eli Ellis, the highest-rated player in the Gamecocks’ 2025 signing class. Known for his exceptional skills and relentless work ethic, the dynamic combo guard will soon make his way to campus this summer with sky-high expectations.

But that’s not all—Ellis is now a high school All-American.

Though recently overlooked for the McDonald’s All-American Game, Ellis received recognition elsewhere. Last week, he was selected for the prestigious Iverson Classic All-American Game, cementing his place among the nation’s top 26 players. Named after basketball legend and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Allen Iverson, this event boasts an impressive lineup of prospects, with seven On3 5-star players and 19 4-star recruits.

Interestingly, Ellis is the second-lowest-rated player in this game, which might suggest that his ranking is due for an upgrade. Currently, On3’s composite ranking—a combination of assessments from On3, 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals—places Ellis at No. 70 overall in the country. Additionally, he’s ranked No. 4 in North Carolina and No. 21 among all shooting guards nationally.

Adding to his growing list of accolades, Ellis is also the reigning Overtime Elite MVP, a title he’s favored to win again this year. No player has scored more points in OTE history than Ellis, further solidifying his status as a basketball phenom.

The Gamecocks also secured the commitment of Ellis’ teammate Hayden Assemian and are actively recruiting his class of 2026 teammates Kohl Rosario and Isaac Ellis, Eli’s younger brother.

The Iverson Classic All-American Game is set for Saturday, May 3rd, at the Hampton Coliseum in Iverson’s hometown of Hampton, Virginia. The final team rosters will be decided shortly before the event, as these 26 standout players prepare to showcase their talents.

More news…..

First-Round Projections Have South Carolina DT T.J. Sanders As a Top NFL Draft Pick

The 2025 NFL Draft process is in full swing, and former South Carolina defensive tackle T.J. Sanders is now considered a potential first-round pick.

Although Sanders might have flown under the radar this season due to the dominant performances of South Carolina’s EDGE rushers, Dylan Stewart and Kyle Kennard, he is gaining recognition as the draft approaches. National analysts, including NFL Network’s lead draft expert, Daniel Jeremiah, are starting to take notice of Sanders’ impressive tape.

Jeremiah recently released his updated NFL Mock Draft, where he has Sanders going 31st overall to the Philadelphia Eagles. Regarding the potential selection, Jeremiah commented:

“There has not been a lot of buzz for Sanders, but I thought his tape was outstanding. He’s really twitchy and would fit right in with the bevy of talented defensive linemen in Philly.”

T.J. Sanders’ accolades include:

• 2024 Third-Team All-America (College Football Nation)
• 2024 First-Team All-SEC (College Football Nation)
• 2024 Second-Team All-SEC (AP, Phil Steele)
• 2024 SEC Interior Defender of the Year (College Football Nation)
• 2023 Third-Team All-SEC (College Football Network)
• 2023 Fourth-Team All-SEC (Phil Steele)
• 2023 Nutrition Award
• 2023 Rex Enright Defensive Player of the Spring
• 2023 co-South Carolina Spirit Award – Defense