The South Carolina Gamecocks made a major splash on the recruiting trail today with the commitment of five-star forward Agot Makeer, one of the most sought-after prospects in the nation. The announcement sent shockwaves through the college basketball landscape and immediately elevated South Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class into the national spotlight.
Makeer, a 6-foot-9 versatile forward from Dallas, Texas, chose the Gamecocks over offers from powerhouse programs including Kentucky, Duke, and Kansas. Ranked among the top 10 players in the class of 2025 by multiple recruiting services, Makeer is widely known for his explosive athleticism, elite shot-blocking ability, and polished offensive game. His combination of size, mobility, and skill makes him a rare two-way talent and a projected future NBA lottery pick.
“I felt a real connection with Coach Lamont Paris and the entire South Carolina staff,” Makeer said during his televised announcement. “They made me feel like family from the beginning, and I believe in what they’re building in Columbia.”
Makeer’s decision is a defining moment for Coach Paris, who is entering his third season at the helm of the Gamecocks. While South Carolina has steadily improved under his leadership, this marks the program’s biggest recruiting victory in years. Not since the days of Sindarius Thornwell and the Gamecocks’ Final Four run in 2017 has there been this level of national buzz around the program.
“With Agot, we’re not just adding a great player — we’re adding a culture-changer,” Coach Paris said in a statement following the commitment. “He’s a high-character young man who’s going to make an impact on and off the court.”
Makeer joins a 2025 class that already included four-star point guard Jalen Brooks and sharpshooting wing Marcus Hill. With his addition, South Carolina’s recruiting class now jumps into the top 10 nationally, according to 247Sports and Rivals, a dramatic rise that reflects the growing confidence in Coach Paris’s vision.
Scouts have praised Makeer’s rapid development over the past year, noting his improved ball-handling, range, and defensive instincts. His ability to stretch the floor while anchoring the defense makes him a perfect fit for today’s fast-paced college game.
While expectations will surely rise with Makeer’s arrival, fans in Columbia are embracing the excitement. The Gamecocks, long considered an underdog in SEC recruiting wars, have now positioned themselves as serious contenders in the years to come.
For South Carolina, Makeer’s commitment is more than just a win on the recruiting trail — it’s a sign that the program is turning a corner and aiming higher than ever before.
