South Carolina lands second international player in Spain's Hugo López, per report

The South Carolina men's basketball team is expanding its horizons when it comes to recruiting for the 2026-27 season. Gamecocks head coach Lamont Paris, coming off a 13-19 season in Columbia, has signed two international players this offseason so far. 

The first was Argentinian big man Juan Fernández. On Wednesday, Coach Paris added to his roster with Hugo López from Spain. The 6-foot-9, 210-pound power forward reportedly committed to the Gamecocks, per Draft Express' Jon Chepkevich: 

López is 22 years old going on 23, so he will bring some veteran experience to South Carolina's roster, as well as plenty of international playing time. He played for Spain in the FIBA U19 World Cup, as well as the U20 EuroBasket tournament. During the U20, he averaged 7.6 points per game across five games, adding 3.8 boards per game, as well. 

He played most recently for Movistar Estudiante, which is a team in Spain's Primera FEB League. He was not a consistent starter, but played in 22 games, averaging 2.7 points per game with 3.5 rebounds and shooting 56.1% from the floor.   

Since this is López's first commitment to a college program, he should have four years of eligibility at the NCAA level. Lopez joining Fernandez on the roster appears to be Paris' way of broadening his recruiting horizons. 

Coach Paris could perhaps also be taking a page out of South Carolina Women's head coach Dawn Staley's playbook. She has signed several players with international experience in recent years, including Madina Okot, who is now with the Atlanta Dream. The Gamecocks also signed French star Justine Loubens this offseason, as well as Alicia Tournebize. 

Congrats to Lopez on becoming a Gamecock, and welcome to the family! 

ALSO READ: Dawn Staley, South Carolina get a chance at revenge as 2026-27 schedule revealed

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