South Carolina Basketball: Gamecock signee, McDonald's All-American injured

South Carolina basketball has signed one of the top recruiting classes in the country in the 2024 class. Even with top-ranked Sarah Strong still undecided on her future, the Gamecocks have already signed three 5-star prospects in the cycle and have been ranked as high as #2 in the national team recruiting rankings, a number that would surely move to 1 if Strong were to commit.

5-star post player Adhel Tac has already enrolled early at the University of South Carolina as she rehabs an injury.

5-star forward Joyce Edwards is a Columbia-area native (Camden High School) who is a McDonald's All-American. She will play for a South Carolina High School League state championship this Saturday.

5-star Maddy McDaniel is a dynamic guard who has been compared to her future head coach Dawn Staley. Like, Edwards, she is also a McDonald's All-American.

Unfortunately, during the playoff run for Bishop McNamara High School (Upper Marlboro, Maryland), McDaniel injured her knee. This week, the star guard had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in her knee. It is unclear at this time what timeline she will have regarding her recovery as there are multiple types of meniscus repairs.

It seems likely that the incoming freshman will be ready for next season as there are still 8 months until the 2024-2025 season begins. However, if she still needs more time to rehab and get ready physically, the Gamecocks have plenty of guard depth returning for next season.

Raven Johnson, MiLaysia Fulwiley, and Tessa Johnson all will return next season at the guard spots, and Te-Hina Paopao has another year of eligibility if she wishes to take it. Wing player Bree Hall also will be back next fall. With all of that talent returning in the backcourt, McDaniel can take all the time she needs to recover and get ready.