Columbia, S.C. – Strong New Additions for Gamecock Basketball
In a significant move for South Carolina basketball, head coach Lamont Paris announced the addition of four new signees for the fall of 2025 on Sunday. The players who officially signed financial aid agreements are Hayden Assemian from Greenville, S.C., Eli Ellis from Hickory, N.C., Grant Polk from Gainesville, Va., and EJ Walker from Erlanger, Ky.
Major Signing Day Accomplishment
This group represents the largest signing day haul during Paris’s tenure at South Carolina, showcasing a promising future for the program. The 2025 recruiting class is currently ranked No. 17 in the nation according to 247Sports, marking the first entry into the top 20 during the Paris era.
Details on the New Signees
Each signee brings unique skills and attributes to the Gamecock lineup:
- Hayden Assemian stands tall at 6-8 and weighs 220 pounds, playing the forward position and will add size and versatility.
- Eli Ellis, a 6-1, 188-pound guard, is known for his speed and shooting skills.
- Grant Polk is another forward, measuring 6-7 and weighing 195 pounds, expected to bring athleticism and scoring ability.
- EJ Walker also joins as a 6-8, 220-pound forward, complementing Assemian’s size and bringing depth to the frontcourt.
This Year’s Road Success
While looking ahead to the future, the current South Carolina team is enjoying considerable success this season. Morris Ugusuk led the Gamecocks with a career-high 18 points as they seek to extend their three-game road winning streak, which has been ongoing since last season.
As they make their return to Assembly Hall for the first time since 1973, there is palpable excitement around the program. In a recent match-up against the Tigers, Carolina displayed dominant play, scoring 38 points in the paint and showing balanced contributions where Murray-Boyles27 points and Pringle added 15 points.
Anticipating a Bright Future
With these new signings, the South Carolina program is positioning itself for not only immediate success during the current season but also a bright future. The injection of young talent is expected to enhance the overall competitiveness of the Gamecocks in the coming years.
The excitement of the new recruits, combined with ongoing talent in the current squad, places South Carolina in a favorable position both now and moving forward. Coach Paris’s recruiting efforts are showing significant promise, and fans are eager to see how these players will develop within the game plan.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
