Nation's No. 1 prospect puts South Carolina basketball on top list

Per usual, South Carolina basketball coach Dawn Staley has the Gamecocks in the conversation for several of the top recruits in the country in the class of 2025. In recent weeks, Carolina has been included on the top lists for 5-star prospects Zakiyah Johnson and Divine Bourrage.

On Tuesday, another 5-star released her top-6, and the South Carolina basketball program made the cut.

Aaliyah Chavez, the class of 2025's #1-rated prospect, put the South Carolina Gamecocks in her top-6, along with the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Oklahoma Sooners, Texas Longhorns, UCLA Bruins, and LSU Tigers. Chavez is a Texas native and has hinted that she would like to stay close to home, but Coach Staley and the Gamecocks continue to make a strong impression on her nonetheless.

As a player, Chavez is a dynamo. With a game eerily similar to Gamecock star sophomore MiLaysia Fulwiley, she is a combo guard with elite physical abilities. Listed anywhere from 5'9" to 5'11", Chavez is extremely quick and aggressive, and her strong and confident handle pairs well with her athleticism to allow her to get off a shot from almost anywhere on the floor.

Chavez can shoot, and she can shoot at any time. She has range from up to thirty feet, and she can make shots even against tight defense. She can finish at the basket well, even when surrounded by taller players. She also is a willing defender and a solid passer, two traits that are requirements for a player to see the floor under Dawn Staley.

Over the next two years, South Carolina basketball will lose point guard Raven Johnson, shooting guard Te-Hina Paopao, and wing Bree Hall, meaning that there could be playing time available alongside current sophomores Fulwiley and Tessa Johnson and freshman Maddy McDaniel. With less loaded rosters, other programs might can offer more playing time early for Chavez, but the opportunity to play is still there in Columbia.

You can watch some of her film here.