Top recruits react to what GG Jackson's impact would be on in-state recruiting at South Carolina
You may be asking why one player’s thoughts on another player’s recruitment matter, and typically it doesn’t. However, in this case, it isn’t a couple of four-star thoughts on GG Jackson; it is their thoughts on the perception of the move.
For the last twenty-five or so years, the South Carolina fanbase has wondered why the program has struggled to keep South Carolina-based players in the Gamecock uniform. GG Jackson is the first consensus No. 1 overall ranked player to come from the state of South Carolina in the modern recruiting era. If new head coach Lamont Paris can keep Jackson in Columbia, this could be big for the perception of the program.
We asked three four-star prospects based in South Carolina what their perception of GG Jackson decommitting from North Carolina and possibly committing to South Carolina looks like through their lens.
Four-star SG Cam Scott
Cam Scott is a 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Lexington (SC) High. He is currently ranked No. 13 in On3’s 2024 class rankings, and claims offers from South Carolina, Clemson, North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida State, and more.
“Personally, I feel like he’s ready for it. It’s a big step in his life that he will have to take. He’s made some sacrifices, and I feel like if that’s what he wants to do, decommit, stay home and go to South Carolina, then I feel like that’s the best thing for him. He’s going to perform there.”
How big is it for Lamont Paris?
“That’s real big, especially since it’s his first year. Potentially with having GG come up and reclassing up to play for him, he’s the top player in the nation, so you can’t complain about that.”
How would GG Jackson influence your decision also to stay home?
“Personally, I feel like I was more looking into South Carolina than he was, in my opinion. It opens up the doors for anybody and shows that they can stay home and not even go to a high, blue blood school and just stay home and do what you do at your own place.”
Four-star SF Coen Carr
Coen Carr is a 6-foot-7 small forward at Greenville (SC) Legacy Early College. He is ranked No. 44 in On3’s 2023 rankings, and claims offers from Indiana, South Carolina, UConn, Vanderbilt, NC State, Pittsburgh, and more.
“I think it says a lot for him to stay home. Especially for them to lose Frank Martin, I know he and GG had a great relationship, and have Coach (Lamont) Paris come in and get the number one player; I feel that is real big for the state of South Carolina.
“GG is my guy; we talk some. Most of the time, we don’t talk about basketball; we talk about how each other is doing and stuff like that. I was recruiting him to try and come to Legacy with me.”
Four-star CG Elijah Crawford
Elijah Crawford is a 6-foot-2 combo guard at Greenville (SC) Legacy Early College. He is the No. 46 ranked player in On3’s 2024 class rankings and claims offers from LSU, Georgia, Xavier, Ole Miss, and more.
“Him going to South Carolina shows the next group of guys coming up they can stay home. South Carolina is a big school, shows you can stay home and still make it to the next level.”
