Lamont Paris’ South Carolina basketball team does not yet have a commitment in the class of 2025, however, the South Carolina basketball coaching staff is taking some big swings in the class, but perhaps the most highly-regarded USC target in the cycle is 5-star Sadiq “AJ” White.
White is a 5-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite and is considered the top recruit in the state of North Carolina by On3 and ESPN.
On Tuesday, 24/7 High School Hoops (not affiliated with 247Sports) revealed that White spoke to them about his upcoming visit schedule. White, a versatile 6’8″ forward, is reported as saying that he would be taking a visit this fall to Columbia to check out the South Carolina basketball program.
The Charlotte native attends Myers Park High School, a school that is less than 100 miles from the University of South Carolina. Of the five visits White spoke about with 24/7 High School Hoops, the trip to Columbia would be the shortest. He will also be taking trips this fall to see Syracuse, Cincinnati, NC State, and LSU.
As a player, White can do just about anything on the court. At 6’8″ and with an even better wingspan, he has the length to be a good player at several positions. His improving jump shot and big-time quick leaping ability make him an ideal wing in the modern game of basketball.
He is tall enough to get off his shot over most players, but an overaggressive closeout to contest his shot will lead to a blow-by as his quick first step and willingness to dunk the ball from anywhere are elite traits; his highlights are filled with rim-rattlers.
On defense, he is a problem for opposing offenses. When guarding on the perimeter, his length swallows up smaller guards. When defending in the post, he is a good shot blocker who times his jumps very well to get his fingertips on shots.
While White is thin (just 180 pounds), he plays stronger than his body weight due to his length and aggressive style of play. He uses his versatility to play 2-4 for Myers Park where he and fellow South Carolina basketball target Bishop Boswell (4-star point guard in the class of 2024) won the North Carolina 5A state championship.
White has been on campus in Columbia before, taking a visit last winter. A return visit indicates that his interest in the program is real and that the Gamecocks could be real players in his recruitment.
You can watch some of his film here.