South Carolina basketball coach Dawn Staley has one of the top recruiting classes in the country coming to Columbia in the class of 2024.
5-star guard Maddy McDaniel and 5-star post player Adhel Tac ranked inside the top-10 nationally at different points in their recruitment, and both players are expected to compete for playing time next season after rehabbing injuries they suffered as seniors in high school.
The third signee for the Gamecocks is 5-star forward Joyce Edwards. Edwards has been ranked as high as the #1 player in the country and currently is 2nd in the national recruiting rankings. She is a finalist for the Naismith National Player of the Year, a McDonald's All-American, a state champion, and, as of Wednesday, she is also a Naismith 1st team All-American.
Edwards is considered the top defensive player in the entire 2024 class, but she has a nice offensive game, as well. During the SCHSL playoffs, she outscored her Camden Bulldogs' opponents by herself on the way to the state title.
Despite being a true freshman next season, Edwards will compete for a role on Dawn Staley's team. Kamilla Cardoso is out of eligibility and fellow post player Sakima Walker has a decision to make after spending four years in college basketball.
Maddy McDaniel was an honorable mention Naismith All-American.
Uncommitted 5-star forward Sarah Strong is a Gamecock target, and she also made the Naismith 1st team. She is considering South Carolina basketball along with LSU, UConn, North Carolina, and others. Strong was on campus in Columbia when the Gamecocks blew out UConn in February.
2025 5-star guard Aaliyah Chavez also made the 1st team and is a Gamecock target. She put the Gamecocks on her list of favorite schools during the fall. 2025 guard Jasmine Davidson is also a Gamecock target and made the Naismith 2nd team. Davidson narrowed her list this January and included South Carolina basketball in her group of favorites.