So far, South Carolina basketball coach Lamont Paris already has three players committed to his Gamecocks squad in the class of 2025. Dynamic scoring guard Eli Ellis, athletic big man Hayden Assemian, and versatile wing/forward EJ Walker all will be joining the program next summer. However, USC might not be done in the '25 cycle.
On Tuesday, 4-star power foward Mikey Wilkins announced his top-7 schools, and the South Carolina Gamecocks made the cut.
NEWS: 2025 four-star PF Mikey Wilkins is down to seven schools and has set official visits to each of his finalists.
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) August 6, 2024
Full visit schedule (On3+): https://t.co/LrfFy4smVn pic.twitter.com/fMBQIYUVQz
Joining Carolina on the North Carolina product's list are the Clemson Tigers, Dayton Flyers, Georgia Bulldogs, Villanova Wildcats, Georgetown Hoyas, and NC State Wolfpack. It is unclear how highly the Gamecocks rank in Wilkins' top-7, but USC has been in the conversation for his services for a long time.
At 6'8" and 240 pounds, Wilkins is a big-bodied power forward who plays for Christ School in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. He is rated as high as the #51 player in the country in the class (ESPN) and is considered a 4-star prospect by ESPN, on3, and 247Sports.
As a player, Wilkins is a strong and skilled big man. His wide shoulders and aggressive style allow him to create space in the paint to get off clean shots, and he has a good finishing touch that complements that size. Wilkins is skilled, too, as he comfortably takes midrange jumpers and can put the ball on the floor when needed.
Wilkins has a lot of potential as a college player. After some time in a college weight room, he could become an extremely imposing physical force in the paint. Pairing size, strength, and his skill set, Wilkins could be an impactful inside-out post player who could fit a Lamont Paris offensive system very well if he decides to pick the Gamecocks.
You can watch some of his film here.