South Carolina lands four-star transfer big man from Providence: 'I can't wait to get to work'
Providence transfer big man Christ Essandoko saw South Carolina’s plan for him on a late-week official visit to the school and didn’t need to see anything else.
The 7-foot, 290-pound Essandoko committed to Lamont Paris and the Gamecocks on Saturday.
“First, the coaching staff was really big on the improvement and the fact that they recruited B.J. Mack out of Wofford when he transferred two years ago,” Essandoko told GamecockCentral. “I see a lot of similarities in my play style and his. I think that was one of the best fits in terms of play style to play for Coach Paris.
“And then obviously the SEC is the best conference, so I wanted to challenge myself and I’m ready to put the work in to prove myself and bounce back from the season that I had.”
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A native of Clichy, France, the big man began his career at Saint Joseph’s but played this past season at Providence where he averaged 4.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in around 15 minutes per game with 22 games played and seven starts.
As a freshman at Saint Joseph’s, he averaged 8.2 points, and 5.7 rebounds per game while hitting 36.8 percent from 3-point land.
“The coaching staff was great all weekend with me and my parents,” Essandoko said of the official visit. “I’ve been on this campus in fall 2021 when I was a senior in high school. Back then, Frank Martin was the head coach, so I already knew the campus.
“It was a great experience just being around the city, talking to people, meeting some fans—it really felt like home.”
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Essandoko also felt like he could put his trust in the Gamecocks’ head coach.
“Everything about him was authentic when I talked to him and got to know him in person,” Essandoko said. “He’s just a great dude. Even with the language barrier, he tried to make sure my parents were comfortable during the entire visit. He’s just a great person, and you can tell he’s all about teaching and making sure his players are improving to get the best out of them. I can’t wait to build a strong relationship with him.”
Essandoko is considered a four-star prospect and the No. 127 overall and No. 34 power forward in the transfer portal.
He has two years of eligibility left.
“I’m very, very excited,” Essandoko said. “I know I have to take a different approach, and I’m excited to do that under the South Carolina jersey and with a great coaching staff and Coach Paris. I just can’t wait to get to work and actually show people what I’m about.”
The Gamecocks are expected to be incredibly active in the transfer portal as Paris looks to rebuild the roster.
In addition to Essandoko, South Carolina has hosted at least three other official visitors this weekend with another set to arrive on Sunday.
Essandoko is the first portal pledge for the Gamecocks this cycle.
