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South Carolina basketball recruits overseas, signs Juan Fernández from Argentina

Gamecocks head coach Lamont Paris has done some overseas recruiting.
ByMorgan Moriarty|
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Feb 28, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Lamont Paris reacts on the sideline during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Feb 28, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Lamont Paris reacts on the sideline during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The South Carolina men's basketball program is looking to rebuild following a 13-19 season in Columbia. During the summer transfer-portal window, Gamecocks head coach Lamont Paris has added a new big man with plenty of international playing experience. 

On Monday evening, the program announced the signing of Juan Fernández, who is a 6-foot-11 forward from Argentina. Per the school, Fernández signed a financial aid agreement to join the school during the 2026-27 season. 

Fernández, who is from Santa Fe, Argentina, has played the last five seasons for Liga ACB, which is one of the top basketball leagues in Spain. Playing for Bàsquet Girona the last two seasons, he averaged 7.7 points per game, including another 4.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. He had one of his best seasons in 2024-25 for the same team, averaging 9.4 points per game with another 4.7 rebounds, shooting an impressive 48.2% from the floor.  

He will bring some major international playing experience to the South Carolina locker room, as well. He was a member of the Argentina squad that won silver during the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup in Nicaragua. He averaged 13.7 points with six boards per game during the tournament, while shooting 57.8%. He also played for Argentina during the 2018 U17 World Cup and 2019 U19 World Cup tournaments. 

"Juan is very versatile as a big and extremely comfortable with the ball in his hands making plays," South Carolina head coach Lamont Paris said of his newest player via the school's official release. "He can be a high level passer and playmaker, or he can be aggressive as a scorer as well. His game is well rounded on both ends of the floor and he is always in control. His experiences will translate well to the SEC.”

Fernández joins a South Carolina transfer portal class that already includes forward Aleksas Bieliauskas from Wisconsin, former Drexel guard Shane Blakeney and former Texas forward Camden Heide. 

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