South Carolina Targeting In-State Sharpshooter in Transfer Portal

South Carolina Basketball Coach Lamont Paris Lands Two Major Transfers, Eyes More Talent

This weekend, South Carolina basketball coach Lamont Paris made major strides in bolstering his roster, securing commitments from two highly regarded transfer portal prospects. The first came on Saturday when 4-star center Christ Essandoko announced he would be joining the Gamecocks. Then, just a day later, Treysen Eaglestaff, a 4-star wing, revealed he would be making his move to USC as well.

But Paris and the Gamecocks aren’t stopping there. South Carolina is expected to remain active in the transfer portal, with recent attention turning to sharpshooting guard Justin Bailey, according to The Portal Report. The former USC-Upstate Spartan and Wofford Terrier had a standout junior season and entered the transfer portal this week. However, the Gamecocks aren’t the only team pursuing Bailey; both Clemson and Georgia have also reached out to the talented guard.

Bailey, a Palmetto State native, first made a name for himself as a member of the Big South All-Freshman Team during his time at USC-Upstate. He also came close to leading the Southern Conference in 3-point shooting percentage this season, though he didn’t qualify due to insufficient attempts.

At Wofford, Bailey averaged 9.6 points per game while shooting an impressive 45.6% from beyond the arc on 125 attempts. The 6-3 guard also contributed 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Despite lacking elite size or athleticism, Bailey proved effective around the rim, converting about 57% of his attempts near the basket.

This season, South Carolina struggled with shooting, particularly from deep, averaging under seven 3-pointers made per game at a 31.6% clip. Bailey’s efficient shooting from the outside makes him a prime target for the Gamecocks as Paris looks to improve the team’s perimeter game. With one year of eligibility left, Bailey could provide a much-needed spark for the Gamecocks next season.

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‘Zyon Guiles’ Chooses South Carolina, Boosting Gamecocks’ 2026 Recruiting Class

Shane Beamer and the South Carolina Gamecocks have just landed a key commitment for their 2026 recruiting class with the addition of Zyon Guiles, a four-star offensive lineman. Guiles made his decision official last Tuesday, pledging his future to the Gamecocks.

Ranked as the 157th best player in the nation, the 14th best offensive tackle, and the third best player in South Carolina, Guiles is a significant pickup for the program. His commitment comes after heavy interest from top programs like Auburn, Clemson, Florida, and Georgia. However, with his official pledge now in place, it’s possible that his previously scheduled official visits to those schools will be called off.

Guiles becomes the second offensive lineman to commit to South Carolina for the 2026 class, bolstering the Gamecocks’ depth at a crucial position. With Guiles on board, Coach Beamer will now turn his attention to further enhancing the offensive line through this recruiting cycle.

As South Carolina continues to add high-caliber talent, the future of the program at Williams-Brice Stadium is looking more promising with each passing day.