South Carolina basketball's 2025 class is an underrated group
South Carolina basketball recruiting is ranked No. 46 in the country in On3’s class of 2025 team recruiting rankings. However, that doesn’t tell a completely accurate story of how well Lamont Paris and company are doing at shaping the Gamecocks’ future. On3 released its updated top 150 national rankings this week, and multiple future Gamecocks cracked the list.
As things stand, guard Eli Ellis (No. 80) and wing Grant Polk (No. 148) are in the updated top 150. The Gamecocks also have pledges from forwards Hayden Assemian and EJ Walker. While both of those players are On3 3-star prospects, Assemian formerly was in the On3 top 150, and Walker is considered a 4-star prospect by ESPN.
That’s a really nice class.
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Eli Ellis is one of the most skilled scorers in the country. The dynamic guard can play either point or shooting guard effectively. The top-ranked player in North Carolina, Ellis can score from anywhere on the floor. He has one of the best handles in the country, an elite (and confident) jumper, and big-time finishing ability at the rim, despite being a smaller player. He’s becoming a better passer, and his gravity and ability to break down opposing defenses provide him plenty of opportunities to find open teammates.
Grant Polk is the most recent commitment in the class. Like Ellis, is an elite outside shooter. However, at 6’6″, he plays on the wing. He’s deadly as a catch-and-shoot player, and he still can make shots off the dribble, too. With a little bit of time in a college weight room and Lamont Paris’ defensive system, he should become an asset on that end of the floor, as well.
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For Hayden Assemian, the future is as bright as his skill development. A gifted athlete, the 6’8″ forward is an aggressive finisher with a nose for the basketball. Before transferring to join Ellis at Moravian Prep, he set the all-time records for rebounds and blocked shots at Powdersville High School in Greenville. He has been working on adding a more consistent jumper and a smoother handle. If he can do that, he will be a tough player to match up with for opponents.
EJ Walker is another forward, but his game is very different from Assemian. Also 6’8″ and athletic, Walker’s game is built on his offensive skills rather than explosiveness. He has played all three frontcourt positions in high school and even has spent time at shooting guard. He can shoot from outside, and he has good enough handles to get to his spots on the floor. When playing against small guards, he also knows how to use his size to get easy buckets.
[Win two tickets to the South Carolina-Missouri football game]
South Carolina lost its season opener to North Florida but has a bounce-back opportunity this Friday against South Carolina State. The Gamecocks and Bulldogs will play on Friday at 7:00 p.m. in Colonial Life Arena. Fans can tune in to watch on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app.
