South Carolina basketball recruiting efforst have been strong in the class of 2025. The Gamecocks have three top-150 commitments as 4-star scoring guard Eli Ellis, 4-star wing/forward EJ Walker, and former 4-star forward Hayden Assemian are all pledged to Lamont Paris' program.
Despite having three high-level players ready to come to Columbia next year, the Gamecocks dabbled a bit in other recruiting waters this summer. One of their potential targets was 4-star power forward Zymicah Wilkins.
Wilkins had seemed to move on from USC in his recruitment, but the Gamecocks garnered some momentum that put them back in the conversation for the 6'8" big man. However, in recent weeks, two programs emerged as favorites for Wilkins, and South Carolina basketball did not appear to be one of them.
On Saturday, Wilkins announced his college decision.
#committed pic.twitter.com/Mz4CD2Kl3K
— Zymicah Wilkins (@zymicah_wilkins) September 21, 2024
With a Saturday pledge to the NC State Wolfpack that followed an official visit in Raleigh, Mikey Wilkins has elected not to leave his home state of North Carolina.
Even having lost out on Wilkins, there is no reason for South Carolina basketball fans to panic.
The Gamecocks have a strong class heading their way in the '25 cycle, and whatever holes might still remain on the roster following the 2024-2025 season, Coach Paris will address in the transfer portal.
Over the past two offseasons, Paris has shown himself to be an adept portal recruiter as high-profile transfers like Ta'Lon Cooper, BJ Mack, Myles Stute, Stephen Clark, Nick Pringle, Jamarii Thomas, and Jordan Butler all have found their way to the Gamecocks. If the Gamecocks have needs next offseason (and they likely will at point guard and center), fans of the garnet and black can expect veteran transfers to join their favorite team.
For now, though, the 2024-2025 version of the South Carolina basketball team has its eyes set on a return trip to the NCAA Tournament. The road to March Madness begins for the Gamecocks on November 4th when they take on the North Florida Ospreys at home at Colonial Life Arena.