South Carolina basketball recruiting target Zymicah Wilkins announced his commitment to the NC State Wolfpack on Saturday.
South Carolina’s basketball recruiting efforts for the class of 2025 have been impressive. The Gamecocks secured commitments from three top-150 players: 4-star scoring guard Eli Ellis, 4-star wing/forward EJ Walker, and former 4-star forward Hayden Assemian, all committed to Lamont Paris’ program.
While these three high-caliber recruits are set to join the team next year, South Carolina explored other recruiting options over the summer, including 4-star power forward Zymicah Wilkins. Although it seemed Wilkins had moved on from USC in his recruitment, the Gamecocks managed to regain some traction and re-enter the conversation for the 6’8″ player. However, in recent weeks, two other programs emerged as frontrunners for Wilkins, leaving South Carolina out of the picture.
On Saturday, Wilkins announced his college choice.
Mikey Wilkins committed to the NC State Wolfpack after an official visit to Raleigh, choosing to stay in his home state of North Carolina.
#committed pic.twitter.com/Mz4CD2Kl3K
— Zymicah Wilkins (@zymicah_wilkins) September 21, 2024
Despite missing out on Wilkins, South Carolina basketball fans shouldn’t be concerned. The Gamecocks are set to bring in a strong recruiting class for 2025, and any roster gaps after the 2024-2025 season will be addressed by Coach Paris through the transfer portal.
Over the past two offseasons, Paris has demonstrated his skill in recruiting transfers, successfully bringing in high-profile players like Ta’Lon Cooper, BJ Mack, Myles Stute, Stephen Clark, Nick Pringle, Jamarii Thomas, and Jordan Butler. If the Gamecocks have needs next offseason, particularly at point guard and center, fans can expect veteran transfers to join the team.
For now, the focus for the 2024-2025 South Carolina basketball squad is on making a return to the NCAA Tournament. Their journey toward March Madness starts on November 4th, when they host the North Florida Ospreys at Colonial Life Arena.
