South Carolina Basketball: Top-10 prospect puts Gamecocks in top-5, committing this weekend

South Carolina basketball coach Dawn Staley just received two signed National Letters of Intent yesterday from 5-star talents Madisen McDaniel (ESPN and Prospect Nation 5-star guard) and Adhel Tac (Prospect Nation 5-star post player).

The best recruiter in college basketball is not done, however.

Over the last two weeks, 5-star Camden, South Carolina native Joyce Edwards (ESPN and Prospect Nation 5-star forward) visited the Gamecocks and revealed she plans to commit and sign soon, potentially before the early signing period ends. Edwards has been viewed as a “lean” to USC, but LSU is a real factor.

Another major South Carolina basketball target is expected to make her college decision even sooner.

On Thursday, news broke that 5-star, top-10 prospect Kennedy Smith will be announcing her commitment this weekend. Smith has a top-5 of South Carolina, UCLA, Southern Cal, Duke, and Louisville. UCLA and South Carolina basketball have been viewed as her favorites, but nothing definitive has come out about her recruitment.

An elite wing player, Smith has the ability to contribute in almost any way on the court. She can score (and shoot), she can defend, she is a plus-athlete. She profiles like a more offensive-minded version of former Gamecock All-American Brea Beal.

During recent years, Coach Staley has loved utilizing versatile wings and forwards, and Smith fits right into that profile. Though most likely a natural small forward, depending on what is needed from her, she could play anywhere from the 2-spot to the 4-spot on the floor.

Her ability to dribble, score from all three levels, and defend players of all sizes with her length and athleticism makes her a “stat sheet stuffer” who could become a triple-double threat at the next level.

Wherever Smith commits, it is expected that she will sign immediately as the early signing period is still active.

You can watch some of her film here.