News Summary
Elijah Strong, a former power forward from Boston College, has committed to South Carolina men’s basketball for the 2025-26 season. The Charlotte native shared the news with fans via Instagram, indicating a strong connection with the program. This marks the fifth transfer portal commitment for Coach Lamont Paris as he reshapes the roster. Strong’s impressive high school record and college performance show that he will be a valuable asset for the Gamecocks, who are undergoing significant roster changes ahead of the upcoming season.
Big Moves in Columbia as Elijah Strong Joins South Carolina Men’s Basketball
Columbia, South Carolina: Exciting times are ahead for South Carolina men’s basketball fans! The Gamecocks have just landed a significant player from the transfer portal, former Boston College power forward Elijah Strong. This new addition is expected to bolster the team for the 2025-26 season, and he is making waves already!
Elijah Strong shared the good news with his followers on Instagram this past Sunday, officially announcing that he would be joining the Gamecocks. This marks another big step for Coach Lamont Paris, as Strong is the fifth commitment from the transfer portal since the season wrapped up. It seems that Paris is busy reshaping the roster into something really special.
Homegrown Talent
What makes this signing even more exciting is that Elijah Strong is no stranger to the Carolinas—he hails from Charlotte, North Carolina! With two years of eligibility left, Strong’s decision to visit USC over the weekend allowed him to reconnect with his Southern roots, ultimately leading him to commit to the Gamecocks. Fans are buzzing with anticipation about how this local talent will blend in with the team.
Strong comes with an impressive track record. In high school, he led Myers Park High School to a state championship during his senior year. He showcased his skills in the title game by scoring 22 points and grabbing seven rebounds, earning the title of the Most Outstanding Player of the game. A true born performer!
A Promising College Career
During his two seasons at Boston College, Strong averaged 9.6 points and 4.1 rebounds. He made a significant impression during the 2024-25 season, where he achieved a career-high of 25 points along with 13 rebounds in a single game against Temple. Strong also demonstrated his shooting range with a solid shooting percentage of 45.2% from the field and 36.2% from beyond the arc. These numbers reveal that he has the skills to make an impact at USC.
Shift in the Roster
This upcoming season promises to be a year of transformation for the Gamecocks, as the team bids farewell to a number of players. Eight athletes have already entered the transfer portal, and two will soon be graduating. The coaching staff is eagerly awaiting news on forward Collin Murray-Boyles, who is considering declaring for the NBA Draft. Meanwhile, there’s optimism surrounding Myles Stute potentially returning after a season interrupted due to health issues.
Though there will be many new faces, the roster will still feature returning players like Murray-Boyles, Jordan Butler, and Stute, alongside a promising group of four incoming freshmen: Eli Ellis, Grant Polk, EJ Walker, and Hayden Assemian. With the addition of Strong, the Gamecocks now have three available scholarships still open, setting the stage for even more potential additions!
What to Expect from Strong
As for what fans can expect from Strong on the court? He is viewed as a 4-star transfer portal prospect and has been ranked the No. 101 overall player in the transfer cycle by various analysis platforms. His playing style could mirror that of former Gamecock BJ Mack, utilizing both pick-and-pop and low-post strategies. This versatility ensures that he will be a valuable asset to the team.
All in all, Strong’s commitment marks an exciting step for South Carolina basketball, enhancing the team’s depth and looking towards a bright future. With the coaching staff working tirelessly to build a formidable roster, basketball lovers in Columbia can look forward to a thrilling season ahead!
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Additional Resources
- On3: Elijah Strong Joins South Carolina Men’s Basketball
- Greenville Online: South Carolina Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
- Island Packet: South Carolina Basketball News
- ESPN: Women’s NCAA Basketball Transfer Portal Rankings
- CBS Sports: Women’s Basketball Transfer Portal Highlights
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Gamecocks
- Google Search: South Carolina Basketball
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina Gamecocks
- Google News: South Carolina Basketball
