The class of 2026 basketball recruiting calendar heated up on Saturday as it was the first official day of allowable direct contact for rising high school juniors after a dead period. That meant that South Carolina basketball coach Lamont Paris was able to make some moves.
According to On3's Jamie Shaw and Joe Tipton, 4-star guards Korie Corbett (Columbia, South Carolina) and Markus Kerr (Charlotte, North Carolina), 3-star wing Tarris Bouie (Charlotte, North Carolina), and 5-star forward Alex Constanza (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) were among the prospects who received early contact from the Gamecocks on Saturday.
Kerr and Bouie are teammates at Chambers High School, Corbett plays at the local Ridge View High School, and Constanza is a consensus top-15 national prospect while playing for Westminster Academy.
For Corbett, the South Carolina Gamecocks, Charlotte 49ers, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, and Presbyterian Blue Hose are the first teams to have reached out to the talented guard.
Corbett is an intriguing prospect who was an All-State performer as a sophomore. A good athlete, Corbett has a comfortable jump shot and is a solid finisher with either hand around the basket. He is an active defender and rebounder and doesn't mind showing off his athleticism with big dunk attempts in the open floor.
For Kerr, the South Carolina Gamecocks Gamecocks are joined by the Michigan Wolverines, Texas A&M Aggies, NC State Wolfpack, Louisville Cardinals, Pittsburgh Panthers, Appalachian State Mountaineers, Virginia Tech Hokies, and Samford Bulldogs as the first suitors for his services.
As a player, Kerr is an aggressive ballhandler and driver. He also is capable of making tough shots off the dribble or in traffic. As a spot-up shooter, he can knock shots down from outside when he is allowed to step into them. On defense, he has quick hands and jumps passing lanes well.
For Bouie, the South Carolina Gamecocks shared interest with the NC State Wolfpack, Tennessee Volunteers, Alabama Crimson Tide, Charlotte 49ers, Pittsburgh Panthers, LSU Tigers, and Samford Bulldogs.
Bouie is a long (but thin) athlete who can do a lot of things on the court. He has a good handle for a wing, and he makes smart cuts off-ball. He's a decent shooter who can pull up off the dribble or make shots in catch-and-shoot situations. Defensively, there is a lot of potential in his wiry, athletic frame.
For Constanza, the South Carolina Gamecocks are one of many teams interested, but they are joined by the Kentucky Wildcats, Florida Gators, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Arizona State Sun Devils, Arkansas Razorbacks, Miami Hurricanes, and Baylor Bears as early contactors.
An elite player with elite measurables, Constanza is worthy of his 5-star rating. He can score from all three levels, and he is the type of athlete who can utilize his size (listed at 6'8") to take advantage of virtually any matchup. Bigs can't keep up with him, and guards can't hang with him physically. On defense, his potential is through the roof, especially if he winds up in the right defensive system.
You can watch some of Corbett's film here.
You can watch some of Kerr's film here.
You can watch some of Bouie's film here.
You can watch some of Constanza's film here.