South Carolina made a major move by securing a commitment from 7-foot, 290-pound center Christ Essandoko. The large Frenchman adds size and experience to the Gamecocks' frontcourt. Essandoko brings two years of eligibility after playing for Saint Joseph's and Providence.
Essandoko's arrival in Columbia comes at an important time for Lamont Paris' squad, which has several spots currently open on the roster. He was the first transfer portal commitment, followed by Treysen Eaglestaff.
With his most recent stint at Providence, Essandoko averaged 4.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. While playing for Saint Joseph's, he posted a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds in a win over Duquesne and scored nine points and 10 rebounds against Penn.
South Carolina's struggled this past season with a 12-20 record, including a 2-16 conference record. However, picking up players like Essandoko and Eaglestaff should ease the pain, especially with Essandoko's size, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities.
Fan excitement for Essandoko and Eaglestaff joining the Gamecock squad reflects a renewed optimism for future of South Carolina men's basketball.
— Good Ol’ JR (@the803rooster) March 29, 2025