South Carolina Basketball: Gamecock target wins National Junior of the Year honor

South Carolina basketball coach Dawn Staley just led her team to their third national championship in the past seven seasons, and because they are losing just one rotation player (Kamilla Cardoso went to the Chicago Sky with the 3rd pick of the WNBA Draft), the Gamecocks might be even better next year with three highly touted freshmen incoming and another year of development for the rest of the roster.

Even with all of that to look forward to for next season, the world of college athletics dictates that fans have to keep looking even further into the future, as well. Things look bright for the Gamecocks beyond the 2024-2025 campaign.

The South Carolina basketball program's top target in recruiting is Aaliyah Chavez, a player largely considered the top player in the class of 2025. Chavez announced her top-10 schools this fall, and the Gamecocks made the cut.

On Tuesday, Aaliyah Chavez was honored as the MaxPreps National Junior of the Year. Chavez was well-deserving of the award (and the MaxPreps All-American 1st team honor that comes with it) after averaging over 37 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals per game this past season.

Chavez is one of the top prospects in recent years, and her game is somewhat reminiscent of current Gamecock MiLaysia Fulwiley. She can pull up from anywhere on the floor, possesses elite quickness with the ball in her hands, and plays with a special aggressiveness with the ball in her hands.

The Gamecocks are targeting several other players who made the MaxPreps All-American squad. Some of these players who are known to be considering South Carolina basketball include guard Jazzy Davidson, guard Divine Bourrage, and wing Zakiyah Johnson.