The South Carolina Gamecocks are preparing to start the 2026-27 season, as tip-off will be here before we know it. But before the season can officially get rolling, this is also a critical recruiting time for head coach Dawn Staley., especially for the class of 2027
The good news there is that the Gamecocks have officially landed their second member to the 2027 class. Five-star center/guard Jezelle "GG" Banks committed to South Carolina. Banks, who is rated by the 247Sports Composite as the No. 1 overall player for her position from the class of 2027, as well as the top-rated player out of the state of Virginia.
A birdie has found her home! 🐣
— WNBAGamecocks (@WNBAGamecocks) October 10, 2026
Jezelle “GG” Banks has committed to the University of South Carolina.
5’10” PG, (ESPN No. 4) St. James Performance Academy (DE), 2027 Class. pic.twitter.com/khlIYDJ5xw
She picked the Gamecocks but Staley had to beat out a couple of SEC rival schools, as Banks picked South Carolina over her final SEC schools in Texas and LSU. Staley and South Carolina hosted Banks for an official visit the weekend of Sept. 18.
"From my first time meeting Dawn, to Coach Jo and the staff making me feel right at home, I knew this was where I belonged," Banks said of picking the Gamecocks via ESPN. "They never just recruited me as a player, they recruited me as a person, and they were honest with me about what it would take to get where I want to go. I want to compete for national championships, and I want to be pushed every single day."
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Banks is the second member of the 2027 class now, which also landed fellow five-star Taylor Banks in recent weeks
Over the summer, Banks helped Team USA win a gold medal at the FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup. She averaged 13.8 points per game, including another 6.2 rebounds. She started her high school career at Ursuline Academy in her home state of Delaware.
This could be one of several big-name players for Staley this cycle. The Gamecocks are also recruiting Gamecocks are still recruiting Jordyn Palmer and Zaniya Johnson, as well as five-stars Kaleena Smith, guard Sidney Savoury, as well as small forward Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka.
South Carolina is set to open the season against a pair of non-conference opponents. The Gamecocks will open on Nov. 2 against Maryland in Paris before playing North Carolina on Nov. 8.
Congrats to Banks on the commitment, and welcome home to Columbia!
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