Author: footballtopstar

In a memorable moment on a March afternoon in 2015, South Carolina found itself cutting down the nets at First Horizon Coliseum—then known as the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. That win marked the program’s first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament’s Final Four.

Reflecting on that historic achievement, Dawn Staley expressed the significance of the moment, especially with the enthusiastic crowd supporting them in Greensboro. “It was rocking and rolling in there,” said Khadijah Sessions, the starting point guard during that game. “It was just an unbelievable feeling because we all believed before that game that we could win and do something historic.”

Now serving as an assistant on Staley’s staff, Sessions remembers that 2015 trip fondly as the beginning of a transformative era for the program. Staley described that first Final Four experience as one of the best she’s ever had, adding, “It opens your eyes to really not wanting to go to the Final Four unless you’re participating in it. Because it’s that much fun and that much, just, competitiveness and excitement.”

Sessions agreed, saying, “The only time I’ve been to the Final Four outside of me going as a player was when we won our first national championship in 2017. I wouldn’t go just because I don’t see a point in going if your team isn’t there. So, she’s right.”

Now, 10 years later, and with three national championships under their belt, the Gamecocks are once again one win away from another Final Four appearance. “It’s like history is repeating itself,” Sessions reflected. “It’s the coolest feeling to get to try to do it again, but win it this time.”

Since that pivotal trip in 2015, South Carolina has secured three national titles and made five more appearances on the sport’s biggest stage. For Sessions, the 2015 Final Four was the beginning of what has become a dynasty.

“When we did it, it was just an unbelievable feeling,” Sessions recalled. “And once coach got that feeling, I know players wanted to come play for her, wanted to get to the Final Four. That’s what made this a powerhouse once we did that.”

Looking back, Staley expressed gratitude for experiencing that initial trip and all the subsequent ones. “I’m glad that we’ve experienced that, I think, five other times since then,” she said. “It’s cool. So we’ll be great and honored to represent women’s basketball in Tampa.”

In a recent development, Herro has decided to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal after a challenging season at South Carolina. The guard appeared in 10 games for the Gamecocks, scoring just two points. Despite the team’s struggles on the court this season, Herro found himself with limited opportunities to earn significant playing time. With three years of eligibility remaining, he now looks to continue his college career elsewhere.

For those unfamiliar with the NCAA Transfer Portal, it’s a private database used across Division I, II, and III sports that lists student-athletes wishing to transfer. Though not publicly accessible, the process begins when a player submits written intent to transfer through their school’s compliance office. Once notified, the office has 48 hours to enter the player’s name into the portal, after which the process is officially underway.

After a player’s name appears in the portal, other schools are free to reach out and initiate contact. However, players can choose to withdraw from the portal at any time. It’s important to note that once a player enters the portal, their current scholarship is no longer guaranteed. If the player decides to stay, the school is no longer obligated to honor the scholarship.

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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.

In breaking news, South Carolina has secured a commitment from Christ Essandoko through the NCAA Transfer Portal, as reported by On3’s Joe Tipton. Essandoko makes the move to the SEC program after previously playing at Providence, marking an important early addition for head coach Lamont Paris.

During his time with the Friars, Essandoko appeared in 22 games, starting seven, and averaged 14.9 minutes per game. This past season, Providence finished with a 12-20 overall record, including a 6-14 mark in the Big East, and ended their season with a six-game losing streak, capped by an early exit in the conference tournament.

Essandoko’s collegiate career began at St. Joseph’s, where he posted averages of 8.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. Now set to join Paris in Columbia, this marks his third school in as many seasons of college basketball.

According to his On3 recruiting profile, Essandoko had received offers from schools such as Wake Forest, Rutgers, and Seton Hall, among others.

As of March 26, over 1,250 players have entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, with that number expected to rise as the 2024-25 college basketball season comes to a close. For up-to-date news on player movements, be sure to check out On3’s Transfer Portal Wire, as well as follow their Instagram and Twitter accounts for real-time updates.

In other news from South Carolina, Nick Pringle has officially entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, according to On3’s Joe Tipton. Pringle also plans to test the NBA Draft waters, marking a pivotal decision in his basketball journey. Tipton reported the news earlier today, noting Pringle’s intentions to pursue both the transfer portal and the NBA Draft.

Pringle recently completed his one season at South Carolina, after transferring in from Alabama, where he spent two seasons, as well as stints at Dodge City Community College and Wofford. Throughout his Division I career, which spans 117 games, Pringle has made 48 starts over the past two years, with his most notable success coming at Alabama. There, he helped the Crimson Tide capture two conference titles and made a run to the Sweet 16 in 2023 and the Final Four in 2024.

Throughout his college career, Pringle has averaged 5.9 points on 63.2% shooting and 4.4 rebounds per game. This season, as a graduate student, he set career highs, averaging 9.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.

On3’s Barkley Truax and Nick Schultz also contributed to this report.

In breaking news, Treysen Eaglestaff, the standout transfer from North Dakota, has officially committed to South Carolina, according to his agent, George Langberg, who spoke with On3.

Standing at 6-foot-6, the junior from Bismarck, North Dakota, visited the Gamecocks just this past weekend. Eaglestaff ultimately chose Lamont Paris and his coaching staff over a list of high-profile programs, including Kansas, Kentucky, Gonzaga, and Iowa.

Eaglestaff had an impressive season, ranking among the nation’s top scorers. He averaged 18.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Notably, he dropped a stunning 40 points against Alabama back in December and followed that up with a jaw-dropping 51-point performance against South Dakota State earlier this month.

This commitment is a major win for South Carolina, injecting new optimism into Columbia for the upcoming season. The Gamecocks, who finished at the bottom of the SEC standings this year with a 2-16 conference record, will surely hope that Eaglestaff’s talent can help turn things around.

For the latest updates on the transfer portal and player moves, be sure to follow On3’s Transfer Portal Wire and stay connected with their Instagram and Twitter accounts.

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South Carolina football commit and top target making waves at OT7 showcase

This weekend, Dallas, Texas, hosted some of the top football prospects from the classes of 2026, 2027, and 2028 at Overtime’s 7-on-7 league. For those unfamiliar, 7-on-7 is a mostly non-contact football format that focuses on skill positions and quarterbacks. Among the standout performers were a South Carolina football commitment and a major target for the Gamecocks.

According to On3’s Cody Bellaire, 4-star safety commit J’Zavien Currence was one of the top performers on Saturday. Bellaire described Currence as “One of, if not the, most physically impressive prospects on the defensive side of the football.” Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 205 pounds, Currence’s physical tools at safety are exceptional, but it’s his movement skills that truly set him apart. Bellaire added, “He’s such a smooth mover that he almost glides when covering ground.”

4-star cornerback target Samari Matthews also had a standout weekend. The North Carolina native has had the Gamecocks among his top choices for some time. Matthews, who played for the City Reapers (the same team as Currence), made an impact on Sunday with an interception in the end zone and another pass breakup in the red zone. On Saturday, he impressed with his physicality and athleticism. At 6-foot-1, Matthews not only boasts long arms but also shows off remarkable athleticism.

As of now, both Currence and Matthews rank among the top-75 overall prospects in the On3 industry rankings. Currence is listed as the No. 6 safety in the nation and the No. 1 prospect in South Carolina. Matthews is ranked as the No. 11 corner and the No. 6 player in a loaded North Carolina class.

South Carolina currently holds five commitments in the class of 2026. Along with Currence, the Gamecocks have 4-star tight end Jamel Howse, 4-star cornerback Peyton Dyer, 4-star linebacker/EDGE Keenan Britt, and 4-star offensive lineman Anthony Baxter in the fold.

In a live update, we’re gearing up for the exciting match-up between South Carolina and Duke, two powerhouse teams in NCAA women’s basketball. Here’s a look at the current statistics and key players to watch as both teams get ready to square off.

Duke has been performing strong at home, averaging 77.3 points per game, compared to 69.1 on the road. However, their recent form shows a dip in their scoring, with the Blue Devils averaging just 67.1 points in their last 10 games — 6 points fewer than their season average of 73.1.

For South Carolina, there are some standout players who could make a big impact in this matchup:

• Joyce Edwards leads the Gamecocks with 13.0 points per game, along with 4.9 rebounds. She also contributes defensively with 0.6 blocks per game.
• MiLaysia Fulwiley is another key player, averaging 12.1 points, 1.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.
• Chloe Kitts, who is known for her rebounding, leads the team with 8.0 rebounds per game, and also scores 10.3 points.
• Te-Hina Paopao brings versatility, contributing 9.5 points, 3.0 assists, and 1.6 three-pointers per game.
• Tessa Johnson is a solid contributor as well, with 8.5 points per game and a strong outside shooting presence with 1.3 three-pointers made per game.

On the Duke side, their key players include:

• Toby Fournier, who is averaging 13.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. She also provides solid defense with 1.1 blocks.
• Ashlon Jackson is a dynamic scorer, putting up 12.4 points and hitting 2.4 three-pointers per game.
• Oluchi Okananwa, with 10.2 points and 5.3 rebounds, has been a key part of the offense, also contributing defensively with 1.7 steals per game.
• Reigan Richardson adds 9.8 points per game and is a strong playmaker with 2.5 assists.
• Delaney Thomas rounds out the group, contributing 7.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.

Both teams are loaded with talent, and with the Gamecocks’ solid defense and the Blue Devils’ offensive firepower, this game is shaping up to be a thrilling one.

Want to catch the action live? You can get your tickets for South Carolina vs. Duke on Vivid Seats. Stay tuned for more updates and expert picks on NCAA basketball!

In a live update, we’ve got some positive news for the New York Yankees regarding Giancarlo Stanton. After months of battling chronic pain in both of his elbows, the 35-year-old slugger has begun resuming baseball activities. According to manager Aaron Boone, Stanton has started hitting indoors following PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments in both elbows, marking a key milestone in his recovery.

It’s been a long and painful offseason for Stanton, whose elbow issues were far beyond typical wear and tear. The chronic pain sidelined him completely, and for a while, the threat of surgery loomed over him and the team. However, Boone shared a sense of cautious optimism this weekend, saying, “It’s been a good couple of weeks,” signaling that the PRP treatments might finally be showing progress.

Though Stanton isn’t quite ready to swing outside just yet, the fact that he’s even hitting indoors is a significant step forward. The Yankees are in no rush, focusing on Stanton’s long-term health rather than a speedy return. The goal is to have him ready for the second half of the 2025 season, ideally around the All-Star break. That would provide a much-needed power boost for the team during the critical stretch, especially if they find themselves in a tight playoff race.

Despite his recent struggles with on-base percentages, Stanton’s power remains undeniable. Last season, he hit 27 home runs in 114 games and had an incredible postseason performance, slugging .709 with seven home runs in just 14 playoff games. If the Yankees can get anything close to that version of Stanton down the line, he could be the game-changer they need as October approaches.

For now, though, the team is celebrating small victories. Stanton is swinging a bat again, and considering how much pain he was in not too long ago, this is a major win for both him and the Yankees. Stay tuned for more updates as his recovery progresses.

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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.

In a live update, we’re breaking down the latest from South Carolina women’s basketball as they face off against Duke in the upcoming Sweet 16. Dawn Staley spoke candidly about her team’s recent struggles, particularly in their three-point shooting.

When asked about Carolina’s performance on Saturday, where they missed several three-pointers, Staley raised an eyebrow and responded, “The blueprint? People have been playing us like that ever since we had Aliyah Boston,” she said. “It’s nothing new. We lead the country in points in the paint, so they clog the paint. They did a good job executing their game plan, and we did a poor job at shot selection. We’ll be better. We just need to take better shots.”

In other news, the shooting woes have been a consistent theme in the Birmingham Regional 2. On Friday, the combined shooting performance of Duke, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Maryland was abysmal — a total of 88 made shots out of 240 attempts, amounting to a low 36.7% shooting percentage. The Duke vs North Carolina game, with a 47-38 scoreline, set a new low for combined points in a Sweet 16, breaking the previous record by 8 points.

When I spoke with one of the top shooters in Birmingham, I asked if the venue, Legacy Arena, played a part in the poor shooting. The response was insightful: “I think it was just the rhythm of things. The topic I’m not supposed to talk about (the officiating) kind of took us out of the rhythm of shooting and getting into the flow of things. I felt like the rhythm wasn’t there because there was so much stoppage in the game. We couldn’t really find a flow and rhythm. Today, we know we need to lock in,” she said. “It’s a little hard because we don’t have a lot of time here to shoot the ball and practice on the rims.”

Looking ahead to the next matchup, we turn to the Duke Blue Devils, a team that was expected to have a potent offense this season — a narrative that may have been overstated. While Duke remains a defensive powerhouse, their offense has struggled at times, especially against stronger teams. The Blue Devils average just 73.1 points per game, shooting 44.4% from the field and hitting 34% from beyond the arc.

Much like South Carolina, Duke gets significant contributions from its bench. The Blue Devils’ Joyce Edwards leads the bench with 13.0 points per game, though she has struggled with double-teams in the tournament. Toby Fournier, who averages 13.1 points per game, missed Duke’s second-round game due to illness but returned for their Sweet 16 matchup. However, Fournier only played 17 minutes and scored just three points. Meanwhile, Ashlon Jackson contributes 12.4 points per game and can be a three-point threat, hitting 37.6% from deep. Oluchi Okananwa, the ACC Tournament MVP, averages 10.2 points per game.

As for Duke’s defense, it remains their primary strength. The Blue Devils give up just 56.6 points per game, holding opponents to only 38.6% shooting. Staley offered her analysis: “Their defense is pretty stingy. They’ve disrupted, they’ve created some offense from their defense, and they do a really good job of hitting timely shots. They’re going to play for 40 minutes, and they’re going to disrupt.”

Now, all eyes turn to the upcoming matchup between South Carolina and Duke:

• Who: #1 South Carolina vs #2 Duke
• When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, March 30
• Where: Legacy Arena, Birmingham, Alabama
• Watch: ABC
• Sendoff: 9:45 AM CT, Westin Hotel, 221 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach this exciting clash between two powerhouse teams!

We celebrate the remarkable performance of South Carolina women’s basketball alum Laeticia Amihere, who chose to play in Australia’s WNBL (Women’s National Basketball League) this winter, instead of competing in the WNBA alongside several fellow Gamecock alumni. This decision proved to be a game-changer for Amihere, offering her the perfect opportunity to fine-tune her skills ahead of her third WNBA season.

Amihere’s time with the Perth Lynx didn’t just provide valuable experience — it also solidified her place as one of the league’s top performers. Her efforts earned her first-team All-WNBL honors, a well-deserved recognition. On the court, she averaged 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game, making a significant impact. Her scoring ranked seventh in the league, while her shot-blocking was third overall, and she ranked tenth in steals. Additionally, Amihere’s impressive field goal percentage placed her third among qualifying players. It’s clear she was one of the most versatile defenders in the league.

Looking ahead, Amihere is set to join the Golden State Valkyries for her first season in May, after the expansion franchise signed her in the offseason. Her journey in the WNBA began with the Atlanta Dream, where she played the first two years of her professional career.

During her time at South Carolina, Amihere was known for her versatility, excelling in various roles across the floor. Though she primarily came off the bench, she also logged several starts. Beyond her on-court success, Amihere was an academic and community leader, earning a spot on three SEC Academic Honor Rolls and three SEC Community Service Teams. She also served as the SEC Women’s Basketball Leadership Council Chair during the 2021-2022 season. One of her most notable achievements was setting the all-time USC record for blocks in an NCAA Tournament game, with an impressive nine blocks against Texas in the 2020-2021 NCAA Tournament.

Amihere’s time at South Carolina was marked by incredible team success, with the Gamecocks winning three SEC regular season championships, three SEC Tournament titles, and the prestigious NCAA Tournament National Championship during her tenure.

Stay updated on all things Gamecocks by checking out The Insiders Forum for the latest coverage.

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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.