5-star Jezelle Banks sets commitment date, has South Carolina among 3 SEC finalists

The South Carolina Gamecocks and head coach Dawn Staley are hoping to make even more headway on the recruiting trail. Just a few days after landing five-star point guard Taylor Brown over the weekend, Coach Staley has her sights set on another talented prospect from the class of 2027. 

Five-star center/guard Jezelle "GG" Banks has narrowed down her three finalists, and has set a commitment date. Banks has South Carolina among her three final schools in LSU and Texas. Banks is set to announce where she will commit to on Oct. 9. She will announce her decision in Delaware, her home state.

Banks plays high school basketball for The St. James Academy in Springfield, Va. She recently visited South Carolina on the weekend of Sept. 18. Per the 247Sports Composite, Banks ranks as the No. 4 overall player for 2027 and the No. 1 overall center/guard in her class. 

Over the summer, Banks helped Team USA win a gold medal at the FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup. She averaged 13.8 points per game, including another 6.2 rebounds. She started her high school career at Ursuline Academy in her home state of Delaware. 

"Definitely somewhere where a coach will allow me to make mistakes," Banks told CBS Sports of what she is looking for at her next program. "Not change who I am, but definitely develop my game," she said. "That will be a big thing."

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In another recent interview this summer with On3Sports, Banks had high praise for Staley and how she has built her Gamecock program.  

"I feel like South Carolina is definitely another fit for me," Banks told the outlet. "They play fast. (Staley)is an awesome coach, she has a great coaching staff and the same family environment. She’s close to her players. She’s very genuine and I’m excited for that visit as well."

Banks visiting South Carolina as one of her final schools could potentially give Coach Staley and the Gamecocks an edge. If South Carolina can successfully land both five-stars in less than a week, it could kickstart a hot recruiting streak for the Gamecocks. It might be a good sign that Staley hosted Banks as one of her final official visits.

Outside of Banks, Staley is also recruiting several top players from the 2027 class, including five-stars Kaleena Smith, guard Sidney Savoury, as well as small forward Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka.

ALSO READ: Florida's Jon Sumrall not overlooking South Carolina, which has 'NFL guys everywhere'

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