4-star recruiting industry riser puts South Carolina basketball on top list

South Carolina basketball coach Dawn Staley does not have a commitment in the class of 2025 just yet, but the Gamecocks are in the running for a number of big-time players in the cycle.

5-star prospects like Aaliyah Chavez, Zakiyah Johnson, Agot Makeer, and Divine Bourrage (and 2026 prospect Jayla Jordyn Jackson) all put USC on their top lists in recent weeks, and several other elite high school recruits are also considering the Gamecocks.

On Monday afternoon, one of the country's fastest risers in the recruiting industry announced her interest in the program, revealing her top-11 schools and including South Carolina basketball.

Joining the South Carolina Gamecocks in Jaida Civil's top-11 are the North Carolina Tar Heels, Alabama Crimson Tide, Florida State Seminoles, UCF Golden Knights, Miami Hurricanes, Cincinnati Bearcats, Mississippi State Bulldogs, Florida Gators, Ole Miss Rebels, and Tennessee Lady Volunteers.

The East Florida product has jumped up in ESPN's Hoop Gurlz rankings by over 20 spots recently, and she sits just outside of 5-star range currently (there are 33 5-stars right now). At #40 in the country and rising, it would be no surprise to see a fifth star next to her name before the 2025 cycle ends.

As a prospect, Civil is a versatile and confident offensive player who has enough skill with the ball in her hands to play guard and enough size (listed at 6'0") and athleticism to play on the wing or even power forward in certain matchups. She has a quick release on her jumper, and she is comfortable hoisting shots off the dribble or in catch-and-shoot situations.

Civil is tough, too. She can rebound with players much taller than she is, and she attacks the offensive glass, earning free points thanks to her extra effort. Civil also is a fighter on the defensive end of the floor. Her length and athleticism allow her to pile up steals and blocks at the high school level, something that could translate to the college game.

You can watch some of her film here.