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Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston, who entered the WNBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, is no stranger to dominating the court. Before her pro debut, Boston led South Carolina to an NCAA title in 2022 and was named Most Outstanding Player. It’s not out of the question that in a few years, we might see her jersey retired by the Gamecocks.

But now, there’s a new star rising at South Carolina: Chloe Kitts. She’s been instrumental in powering the Gamecocks to a 26-3 record this season, with a dominant 14-1 performance in the SEC. South Carolina’s most recent victory came on Thursday when they defeated Ole Miss, 75-59.

Kitts delivered a show-stopping performance, finishing with a triple-double of 16 points, 13 rebounds, and a career-high 10 assists. She also recorded a personal best with four steals. In fact, she became the first South Carolina player to achieve a triple-double since Boston did it in 2021.

Aliyah Boston, always proud of her teammates, shared the achievement on her Instagram story, with a simple but telling two-word response: “True swag.”

For context, Boston herself pulled off a memorable triple-double during South Carolina’s win over Georgia in January 2021, posting 16 points, 11 rebounds, and an astonishing 10 blocks. That marked her second triple-double after becoming the first freshman in Gamecocks history to notch one. Over her four-year career, Boston amassed an impressive list of accolades, including three SEC championships, two SEC Tournament MVPs, two SEC Player of the Year titles, and four SEC Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Meanwhile, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley praised the 20-year-old Kitts after her standout performance. Staley described it as “the hard way,” highlighting Kitts’ playmaking, determination, and willpower. As Staley put it, “It was Chloe Kitts.”

Looking ahead, No. 6 South Carolina will face off against No. 15 Kentucky this Sunday.

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Kyle Kennard Discusses How South Carolina Prepared Him for the NFL

The highly anticipated NFL Scouting Combine has officially kicked off, marking the biggest pre-draft event of the offseason. Before taking part in individual drills on the field, players have the opportunity to speak with the media, as was the case with former South Carolina Gamecock Kyle Kennard.

Kennard, who transferred from Georgia Tech to South Carolina as part of the 2024 transfer class, had a standout year in the garnet and black. While his on-field performance has certainly contributed to his rise as a top prospect, Kennard shared with the media just how much the Gamecocks program has helped him off the field.

“They kind of helped me with the seriousness of it,” Kennard explained. “They helped me get my mind orchestrated. They helped me with communications with the media and other things that you need to be ready for at this stage.”

As players like Kennard prepare for the upcoming draft in April, they will go through a series of team and media interviews. The development of their communication skills and professional media training plays a significant role in boosting their draft prospects.

The reigning Nagurski Trophy winner is expected to be picked within the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.

South Carolina Women’s Basketball Prepares for Senior Day Showdown Against Kentucky

The regular season is nearly over for South Carolina women’s basketball, with only one game remaining. The No. 6 Gamecocks (26-3, 14-1 SEC) will host No. 14 Kentucky (22-5, 11-4) this Sunday at 2 p.m. (ESPN) for a Senior Day matchup at Colonial Life Arena. Both teams are coming off wins Thursday night.

This Sunday marks the 77th meeting between the two programs, with South Carolina leading the series 41-35. The last time the Gamecocks lost to Kentucky was during the 2022 SEC Tournament.

Here’s what you need to know ahead of the game:

Tournament Implications for South Carolina vs. Kentucky

If South Carolina wants a 50% chance at being seeded No. 1 in the SEC Tournament next week, they must beat Kentucky.

The Gamecocks are tied with Texas, each with one conference loss. If both teams win Sunday, it will come down to a coin flip to determine who earns the top seed in the SEC Tournament. If both teams win, they will share the regular-season SEC title.

In the NCAA Tournament picture, South Carolina was revealed as a No. 2 seed and No. 5 overall in the committee’s second in-season reveal of the top 16 seeds. A loss to Kentucky, which would be South Carolina’s fourth loss to a ranked opponent this season, could negatively impact their NCAA Tournament resume and NET ranking, especially since they have only lost one home game all season.

Kentucky’s Georgia Amoore a Key Challenge for Staley’s Defense

South Carolina faces another challenge in defending a star guard in Georgia Amoore. The 5-foot-6 senior guard is averaging 18.9 points per game, the fifth-best in the conference. She leads the Wildcats with 201 3-point attempts and has hit as many as seven in a single game.

Coach Dawn Staley will need to make adjustments after South Carolina struggled to defend the three-pointer against UConn, allowing the Huskies to hit 13 threes in a dominant win in Columbia on February 16. Amoore can score from all areas of the court and is also adept at dishing out a team-high seven assists per game. On defense, she compensates for her height with quickness, regularly jumping into passing lanes to secure steals.

South Carolina’s Forwards Will Be Key Against Kentucky’s Tall Frontcourt

Kentucky boasts one of the tallest frontcourts in the SEC, and South Carolina will need to step up its interior defense after struggling against the height of Texas on February 9. The Wildcats’ Clara Strack (6-5) is averaging 15 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. She had a monster performance Thursday, posting 23 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks against Tennessee.

Next to Strack is 6-3 forward Amelia Hassett, who averages 9.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.

South Carolina’s forwards—Sania Feagin, Chloe Kitts, and Joyce Edwards—will need to defend the paint well. Since whoever is guarding Amoore won’t be able to help double team inside, rebounding and defending in the post will be critical for the Gamecocks.

Feagin and Kitts Enter Kentucky Game After Career-High Performances

Fortunately for Coach Staley, her two starting forwards are coming off strong performances in South Carolina’s 75-59 win over Ole Miss on Thursday. Feagin had a career-high 22 points, while Kitts finished with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and a career-high 10 assists with four steals. This marked the first triple-double for a South Carolina player since Aliyah Boston in 2021.

South Carolina vs. Kentucky Prediction

South Carolina 80, Kentucky 68: The game won’t be easy, but similar to earlier matchups against Texas and Vanderbilt, Staley’s defense will contain both Amoore and Kentucky’s tall post players to secure the win.

Ole Miss suffered a 75-59 loss to South Carolina at home on Thursday night. Following the game, head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin addressed the media with a candid assessment of her team’s performance.

Opening Statement:

“When you’re up against teams ranked No. 2, No. 6, No. 5, No. 14, and No. 15, you have to leave it all on the floor,” McPhee-McCuin said. “You need your best basketball, and when the margin for error is so slim, the only way to make up for it is with incredible belief and fight. That’s why South Carolina has only lost two games. If we want to beat teams like that, we have to play for all 40 minutes. I was disappointed by the effort tonight. It felt like we quit in the fourth quarter, and that’s a reflection of me. I have to look at why that happened. We needed people to step up, but it wasn’t the case. No player was in the positive; everyone was in the negative, and some were worse than others. We’ve got to have short-term memory because we face the No. 7 team on Sunday.”

On the Team’s Lack of Fight:

Asked if she was surprised by the team’s lack of fight, McPhee-McCuin responded, “Yeah, I am surprised. At home, last game, you have a chance to do something big. You’ve played against big teams, and I don’t think they were afraid, but it felt like we quit at some point. As a coach, I felt helpless. I couldn’t just sub in and fix things. All I can do is coach them up, but I wasn’t going to give a big speech because I felt like we know how to fight. We’re no strangers to competing at a high level. But Starr (Jacobs) didn’t show up tonight, and that really hurt us. We depend on people like Madison (Scott), and she’s got to play better. On the positive side, Sira (Thienou) came alive, which we haven’t seen in about eight games. I thought KK (Deans) fought hard, and Christeen (Iwuala) nearly had a double-double. When you’re facing these kinds of teams, you’ve got to decide if everyone is going to give their all. If they don’t, you won’t win. South Carolina has beaten teams by 30 and 40, and while I’m not looking for a pat on the back, I thought we played well in the first half. But it took a lot of me stepping out of character to get the team to fight. By the third quarter, we didn’t come out ready, and in the fourth, we had no more fight left. I never want to see that again, so that’s something I’ll be addressing tomorrow.”

On South Carolina’s Depth:

When asked about South Carolina’s bench production, McPhee-McCuin acknowledged the challenge of facing a deep team: “South Carolina is deep. I don’t know if you know this, but everyone on their team is an All-American. They don’t have a drop-off in talent. You have to withstand their runs, and we didn’t do that tonight. Not because we didn’t want to, but because we need to figure out how to handle it. I haven’t lost hope in our team—we still have a lot of basketball to play. I expect South Carolina to be a Final Four contender. They’re playing for something too, and I’m trying to get my team to understand that. Everyone says, ‘Oh, you don’t have anything to lose.’ But they have something to lose, and sometimes, you have to play like you have something to lose. South Carolina didn’t want to lose to us, especially with their fight for the No. 1 seed. They’ve only lost two games, so there’s a lot we can learn from tonight. There are things we can build on, but I’ve got some things to address.”

On Who Will Step Up in Future Games:

When asked about the players she will rely on moving forward, McPhee-McCuin explained, “We don’t have a five that’s just going to be better than another five. Our strength is in our numbers, in the nine and ten players we rotate. When those players don’t show up, it’s bad news for us. We were lucky not to get blown out tonight because South Carolina has blown teams out. We didn’t play well, but we didn’t get blown out, and I couldn’t even play Starr (Jacobs) for 15 minutes. We kept it somewhat respectable because some players fought, but we need the entire team to show up. Our strength is in our numbers.”

Ole Miss now prepares for their next challenge against the No. 7 team on Sunday, with McPhee-McCuin determined to address the issues that plagued her team against South Carolina.

GamecockCentral Takeover Recap – Key South Carolina Sports Topics

On Thursday’s GamecockCentral Takeover, presented by Firehouse Subs on The Game, the crew delved into some hot topics surrounding South Carolina sports. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can catch from the show:

Paul Mainieri Embraces Underdog Status
Veteran Gamecocks coach Paul Mainieri is perfectly fine with his team flying under the radar, especially as South Carolina remains outside the top 25. However, a strong performance against Clemson this weekend could swiftly alter national perceptions of the team.

Weekend Series Against Clemson Holds Weight
While it’s not a decisive moment for South Carolina baseball, the upcoming series against Clemson still carries significance. A series win would not only add a ranked opponent to the resume but also deliver the emotional satisfaction of besting their rival.

Beamer’s Contract Extension Debate
Andy Staples from On3 recently questioned whether South Carolina needed to offer Shane Beamer a contract extension this offseason. Chris on the show believes this is an oversimplification of the issue, suggesting there’s more nuance to the conversation.

Coaching Salaries and Job Security
The crew discussed the nature of college coaching, where coaches are either securing extensions or facing the risk of being fired. A large part of these contracts is to prevent top schools from poaching talented coaches.

Arizona State’s Unique Contract Clause
Coach Kenny Dillingham at Arizona State has a new deal that includes a clause ensuring full revenue-sharing funds for player retention and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) efforts. This and other similar clauses could become a growing trend in college sports as NIL plays an increasing role.

Stay tuned as we continue to bring you more updates from South Carolina sports!

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South Carolina Gamecocks Eliminated from Jared Curtis Recruitment Race

In a major development for the 2026 recruiting class, Jared Curtis has officially narrowed down his college choices, and unfortunately, the South Carolina Gamecocks have been cut from the running.

On Saturday, the highly coveted five-star quarterback announced that his decision is now down to Georgia and Oregon. This leaves South Carolina on the outside looking in, as the Gamecocks no longer appear to be in contention for Curtis’s commitment.

However, it’s important to note that Curtis has made it clear he will only be taking official visits to Georgia and Oregon, despite previously planning to visit South Carolina in late June. While this doesn’t completely shut the door on the Gamecocks, it does place them at a significant disadvantage.

Curtis, who is regarded as the No. 1 quarterback and the second-best player overall in the 2026 class, is also considered the best player from Tennessee according to composite rankings. His status as a five-star recruit makes his decision a highly watched one.

Even though it’s still early in the recruiting cycle, and the Gamecocks have ample opportunities to secure a strong class this year, missing out on Curtis is undoubtedly a blow.

Currently, South Carolina has five commitments in the 2026 class, with J’Zavien Currence, a standout safety who has been committed since last October, leading the charge.

South Carolina’s Bam Martin-Scott Hits the NFL Combine

As the NFL Combine kicks off this week, the South Carolina Gamecocks are well represented, with several players gearing up to showcase their talents. On Thursday, it’s the defensive linemen and linebackers’ turn to take center stage, and Bam Martin-Scott is already making his mark.

The linebacker, who wrapped up his college career with an impressive 76 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks, is out on the field this Thursday, hoping to impress scouts. Martin-Scott began his journey at Dodge City Community College before transferring to South Carolina in 2022. His standout play earned him honorable mention All-SEC honors from College Football Nation.

Currently projected as a late-round draft pick in many mock drafts, Martin-Scott has a golden opportunity this weekend to boost his stock with a strong performance at the combine.

NFL Combine Results – Bam Martin-Scott:

• Height: 6’2 1/8”
• Weight: 231 lbs
• Arm: 32”
• Hand: 8 ¾”
• Vertical: [Results Pending]
• Bench Press: [Results Pending]
• 40-yard Dash: [Results Pending]
• 3-Cone Drill: [Results Pending]

Additionally, here are the other South Carolina Gamecocks invited to this year’s NFL Combine:

• Raheim Sanders, RB
• Joshua Simon, TE
• Torricelli Simpkins III, OL
• Tonka Hemingway, DL
• DeAndre Jules, DL
• Kyle Kennard, DL
• TJ Sanders, DL
• Demetrius Knight Jr., LB
• Bam Martin-Scott, LB
• Nick Emmanwori, DB
• O’Donnell Fortune, DB

Stay tuned for more updates as the weekend unfolds and these athletes continue their journey to the NFL!

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Brady Hunt Rejoins Garnet Trust, confirming his return to South Carolina Football

In a significant development for South Carolina football, Brady Hunt, a 6-foot-5, 253-pound tight end, has signed a new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal with the Gamecocks’ official collective, The Garnet Trust, ensuring his return to the program for the upcoming season.

Hunt, who transferred to South Carolina from Ball State last offseason, was part of the Gamecocks’ three-man tight end rotation in 2024 alongside Joshua Simon and Michael Smith. He made valuable contributions during the season, recording two receptions for 22 yards, including a key first-down grab late in the victory over Missouri. Known for his versatility both as a blocker and a receiver, Hunt is expected to take on an even larger role next season, especially with Simon having exhausted his eligibility.

Before joining South Carolina, Hunt had an impressive 2022 season at Ball State, where he caught 46 passes for 498 yards and five touchdowns. His strong performance at Ball State and subsequent transfer to the Gamecocks highlight his potential to become a key player in South Carolina’s offensive game plan.

This new NIL deal underscores the Gamecocks’ commitment to player retention, with The Garnet Trust playing a crucial role in securing such agreements. Retaining players like Hunt is essential for the program’s continued success, and head coach Shane Beamer has stressed the importance of building strong relationships and maintaining open communication to keep the team unified and motivated.

 

Breaking news on the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball scene: USC has jumped into the coveted No. 1 seed line, bumping South Carolina down to No. 2 in the second Top 16 reveal by the NCAA Women’s Basketball Committee. This shift comes after South Carolina’s crushing defeat at home against UConn earlier this month.

The Gamecocks, who are 25-3 and 15-1 in the SEC, suffered a dramatic 29-point loss to the Huskies, a result that impacted their seeding. The loss to UConn was one of the key factors that led to South Carolina’s drop, as it highlighted how important competitive losses are in the committee’s evaluation process, as committee chair Derita Dawkins explained during ESPN’s live broadcast. South Carolina, which had been ranked No. 1 in NET rankings all season until now, is now ranked No. 2 in that metric, with UConn (26-3) taking the top spot.

As of Thursday’s reveal, UCLA remains the No. 1 overall seed with a 27-1 record, while Texas moves up to No. 2, and USC (25-2, 16-1) leapt to No. 3. Notre Dame stays at No. 4 after taking their first conference loss of the season, a narrow defeat to NC State.

This ranking reveals where the teams would be seeded if Selection Sunday were today, based on games through Wednesday. For the first time, the committee’s Top 16 marks the last big update before Selection Sunday on March 16, which will finalize the tournament bracket.

Here’s the second Top 16 reveal:

1. UCLA (Spokane 1)
2. Texas (Birmingham 2)
3. USC (Spokane 3)
4. Notre Dame (Birmingham 4)
5. South Carolina
6. UConn
7. LSU
8. NC State
9. TCU
10. North Carolina
11. Duke
12. Tennessee
13. Oklahoma
14. Kentucky
15. Kansas State
16. Ohio State

As for the region breakdown, the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight will be hosted across two super-regional sites: Birmingham and Spokane.

• Birmingham 2: Texas, NC State, TCU, Ohio State
• Spokane 3: USC, UConn, Duke, Kentucky
• Birmingham 4: Notre Dame, South Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma

South Carolina’s defeat to UConn harms their tournament positioning.

For South Carolina, this drop to No. 5 means a more difficult road ahead. Instead of facing the No. 7 seed, they now find themselves potentially facing the No. 4 seed in their region. However, the Gamecocks still have ample opportunities to improve their resume with a strong finish against Kentucky and in the SEC tournament.

Tennessee climbs four positions

On the other hand, Tennessee (21-6, 8-6 SEC) has seen a massive boost, jumping from No. 16 to No. 12 overall after a four-game winning streak. This jump is the biggest change in the rankings, reflecting both Tennessee’s performance and the movement of other teams around them. Dawkins praised the Lady Vols’ toughness, citing their strong play despite close losses throughout the season.

Looking at the bottom of the rankings, several teams are feeling the pressure. Kansas State slid from No. 12 to No. 15 after losses to West Virginia and Baylor, dropping two games behind in the Big 12 race. Without star center Ayoka Lee, their situation has become more challenging. Meanwhile, Oklahoma moved up two spots to No. 13, and Ohio State dropped to No. 16 after a loss to Indiana, a setback that the committee may consider a “bad loss.”

The ACC Triangle region is also heating up as NC State, North Carolina, and Duke hold firm in the top-11 spots, setting up a major showdown this weekend. NC State remains at No. 8, while North Carolina and Duke swap places at No. 10 and No. 11. Their rivalry games are shaping up to have major implications on the bracket, as these schools prepare for the upcoming ACC tournament.

Holding on to hosting duties is weak

One major development from Notre Dame’s loss is the tightening race for the ACC regular-season title, with crucial games ahead this weekend, which could reshape the standings. As Dawkins pointed out, the committee’s focus on late-season results means the next few weeks will be pivotal for teams hoping to secure their positions before Selection Sunday.

Stay tuned as the final stretch of the regular season unfolds, with key matchups likely to impact the bracket and the seeding ahead of March Madness.

The excitement surrounding the 2025 NFL Combine is palpable as 11 South Carolina Gamecocks athletes make their way to Indianapolis to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and decision-makers. The group includes standout players such as Nick Emmanwori, TJ Sanders, Kyle Kennard, Demetrius Knight, Rocket Sanders, O’Donnell Fortune, Josh Simon, Tonka Hemingway, Bam Martin-Scott, Torricelli Simpkins, and DeAndre Jules. Additionally, punter Kai Kroeger is participating in the NFL Combine Specialist Showcase.

With this impressive showing, South Carolina has the chance to break its all-time draft selection record. The program previously had seven players drafted in both 2009 and 2013. This year, with a record 11 Gamecocks invited to the combine, it’s entirely possible that at least seven could hear their names called in April’s draft.

While the on-field action is always a highlight, media and teams are also conducting in-depth interviews with players. Here are some key comments made by the Gamecocks and analysts during the early days of the Combine:

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Nick Emmanwori – Safety

One of the biggest stories at this year’s combine is Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina’s All-American safety, who is exuding confidence. When asked which NFL player he models his game after, he didn’t hesitate to compare himself to Ravens All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton. “I’m 6-3, 223 (like Hamilton),” Emmanwori explained. “I’m a bigger dude, and I can run. So, I’m not really scared to go make tackles, cover slots, or cover tight ends.”

But Emmanwori didn’t stop there. Projected by some as the top safety in the draft, he boldly stated, “I don’t think you’ve ever seen a safety like me… with my size, my speed, and my ability.” He further added, “Growing up, I used to play corner, so my footwork is probably the best of this safety class.”

Known for his speed, Emmanwori was also asked about his expectations for the 40-yard dash. The potential first-round pick was confident, saying, “4.3,” which would be faster than Hamilton’s Combine time of 4.5 seconds.

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ESPN’s Jordan Reid: Nick Emmanwori “A Player to Watch”

Before hitting the field, Nick Emmanwori is already getting attention. ESPN Draft analyst Jordan Reid singled him out, saying, “He’s the one player I would recommend having an eye on” at the NFL Combine. With the spotlight shining on him, Emmanwori continues to be one of the most talked-about prospects heading into the event.

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Kai Kroeger – Punter

While much of the focus has been on the position players, former Gamecock punter Kai Kroeger is also making waves. After a standout performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl, Kroeger received an invitation to the NFL Combine Specialist Showcase. Expressing his excitement, Kroeger said, “It means the world to me. As a kid growing up with dreams of playing in the NFL, the Combine is what you hope to get to for the NFL process.”

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Kyle Kennard – Edge Rusher

Kyle Kennard has been making headlines as well, especially for the growth he’s shown under new position coach Sterling Lucas. During a conversation at the Combine, Kennard recalled how Lucas helped him refine his technique. “He kind of modernized the game for me,” Kennard said, reflecting on the small adjustments that turned his game around.

After a season where he recorded 11.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles-for-loss, Kennard credits his improvement to Lucas. “It’s a testament to my coach,” Kennard said. “He helped me be me more.”

On Thursday, Kennard will be showing what he can do on the field, hoping to solidify his spot as a Day 2 pick in the upcoming draft.

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Demetrius Knight – Linebacker

While many Gamecocks have stood out for their on-field abilities, Demetrius Knight also made an impression with his off-the-field comments. Reflecting on his journey from quarterback to linebacker, Knight shared, “I thought I’d be here right now as a quarterback… but now I’m the quarterback of the defense.”

A former quarterback, Knight discussed how the transition to linebacker was challenging, especially with the added responsibility of making tackles. “Doing the hitting was something very foreign to me,” he said with a laugh, but he credits his time at South Carolina for helping him make the adjustment.

Looking ahead to 2025, Knight is excited about South Carolina’s future. He said, “South Carolina is going to be a team to reckon with for years and years to come. As long as Beamer’s there doing his thing, they’re going to be a great team to watch.”

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Tonka Hemingway & TJ Sanders – Defensive Line

In interviews this week, Tonka Hemingway and TJ Sanders both reflected on how playing multiple sports in high school helped shape their football careers. Hemingway, who played both baseball and basketball, explained, “I feel like it all comes in one. It has helped me in this sport (football).”

For Sanders, his basketball background helped him develop his pass-rushing abilities. “A lot of my inside moves come from me thinking about a crossover,” Sanders said. He’s added that his time on the hardwood has made him “a faster d-tackle” who is “quicker than most interior guys.”

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As the 2025 NFL Combine progresses, the Gamecocks continue to impress both on and off the field. With strong showings already from Emmanwori, Kennard, and others, this group is poised to make a significant impact on the upcoming NFL Draft. Stay tuned for more updates as these players continue their journey toward the pros.