South Carolina head coach Lamont Paris has officially completed the Gamecock roster for the 2025-26 season, and he did it by bringing back a familiar face. The Gamecocks announced Monday that former guard Eli Sparkman will rejoin the program for the upcoming season after studying abroad for the last year.
After a year studying abroad in South America, we are excited to announce @SparkmanEli has rejoined the team for the upcoming 2025-26 season. 🤙#Gamecocks🐔🏀 // #ForeverToThee pic.twitter.com/zRJTqUiOi5
— South Carolina Men's Basketball (@GamecockMBB) August 19, 2025
Sparkman, who last played during the 2023-24 campaign, had stepped away from basketball in the summer of 2024. He spent the past year studying abroad in South America, but he is now returning to Columbia for what will be his third overall season in garnet and black. The 6-foot, 153-pound guard originally joined South Carolina as a walk-on in 2022.
As a freshman, Sparkman appeared in 12 games, including 12 SEC matchups, averaging 1.4 points in 6.2 minutes per game, connecting 5-of-8 three-pointers, and hit a three in four of the final five games of the season. His sophomore year saw limited production and minutes, as he averaged one point while going for 0-for-4 from behind the arc.
Sparkman last suited up for the Gamecocks on Dec. 22, 2023, as part of the squad that won 26 games and earned South Carolina its first NCAA Tournament berth in seven years.
With Sparkman's return, Paris has now filled the final roster spot for the upcoming 2025 season. Sparkman may not be expected to play a major on-court role, but his experience, leadership, and familiarity with the program will bring added value as South Carolina looks to build on its recent momentum.