South Carolina Basketball: Former Gamecock signs new professional contract
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina basketball alum PJ Dozier elected to follow in the footsteps of his father (Perry Dozier, Sr.) and uncle (Terry Dozier) and play for the Gamecocks. Growing up in Columbia, Dozier had seen the struggles of the Gamecock basketball program and wanted to be a part of changing the program. He succeeded.
The former 5-star prospect was part of one of the most successful two-year runs in program history. During his two years in garnet and black, Dozier helped lead the Gamecocks to 51 victories (the most wins ever in a two-year stretch for South Carolina basketball) and an appearance in the 2017 Final Four.
The big guard was a consistent defensive presence and an explosive offensive player who could make tough shots off the dribble or rise above the defense for big dunks or acrobatic finishes at the rim.
Those skills resulted in Dozier having a six-year NBA career. He had become a contributor for the Denver Nuggets before injuries cut short his 2021-2022 season and affected his 2022-2023 campaign. Unfortunately, those injuries have kept him off the court enough to scare off NBA organizations from re-signing the talented perimeter player.
In recent days, Dozier came to terms on a contract with Serbian club Partizan BC, also known as KK Partizan, of the Adriatic Basketball Association. The franchise is one of the most successful professional teams in Europe.
Dozier will look to show the world that he is “back” from his injuries and that he still can play at a high level.
Dozier’s signing is viewed as one of the best free agent contracts given out across all the European professional leagues this summer.
The ABA is a fall-to-spring league. After the season ends in the spring, most players return to their home countries to compete for their countries’ national teams or another professional opportunity.