South Carolina basketball commitments, targets to play in Overtime Elite championship series

Over the past several years, Overtime Elite (OTE) has emerged as a major player in the landscape of high school basketball. The league, which was established to give top-tier basketball prospects a platform to prepare for professional careers outside of the traditional NCAA route, has created a path that is beginning to attract both attention and top talent. Several South Carolina basketball commitments and recruits have found themselves on the radar of OTE scouts, with many players choosing this non-traditional route to hone their skills and get a head start on their professional careers.

The Overtime Elite Championship Series, which features the best players from OTE and other elite basketball leagues, provides young athletes the opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage. For South Carolina Gamecocks basketball, both on the men’s and women’s side, the recruiting and player development landscape has shifted significantly. As the OTE continues to grow, it has become an integral part of South Carolina’s recruiting efforts, with commitments and targets to watch who are involved with OTE’s rising prominence.

What is Overtime Elite?

Before delving into specific commitments and targets, it’s important to understand what Overtime Elite is and how it fits into the broader context of high-level basketball. Founded in 2021, OTE is a league designed for high school-aged basketball players looking to bypass traditional routes like the NCAA or even high school basketball in order to fast-track their development. This program offers players financial compensation, the ability to develop their skills in a competitive environment, and the opportunity to receive professional training.

The OTE has a focus on development both on and off the court. Players are given the opportunity to earn six-figure salaries, with benefits including mentorship, professional coaching, and specialized training from some of the top names in the basketball world. The league has generated significant interest in the basketball world, drawing in players from all over the country, including some from the South Carolina pipeline.

While the league is still relatively new, it has gained momentum by offering a more direct path to the professional ranks than traditional routes. This has led several top prospects from the South Carolina area, and the broader Southeast, to consider OTE as a viable option, including potential commitments to South Carolina’s basketball programs.

South Carolina Basketball Commitments Playing in Overtime Elite

As the OTE continues to attract some of the best basketball talent in the country, several players with South Carolina ties or connections have committed to playing in the league. South Carolina’s recruitment strategy is evolving, especially as high school prospects explore non-college options.

1. GG Jackson – South Carolina Basketball’s Top Commitment

One of the most highly touted players in the country, GG Jackson, has committed to play for South Carolina men’s basketball. Jackson is ranked among the top prospects in the 2023 recruiting class and is considered one of the elite forwards of his generation. Although Jackson originally committed to North Carolina, he made headlines by reclassifying and committing to South Carolina, where he can play right away under head coach Lamont Paris.

Before making his commitment, Jackson played for Overtime Elite in its inaugural seasons, impressing scouts and analysts with his remarkable combination of size, skill, and versatility. At 6-foot-9, Jackson has the ability to play multiple positions, and his scoring ability, rebounding, and basketball IQ are already at a high level. His decision to enter OTE before committing to a college program allowed him to develop his skills further and get used to the grind of professional-level basketball.

Jackson’s decision to reclassify and commit to South Carolina represents a major recruiting win for the Gamecocks, as they look to bring in one of the most talented players in the country. His time with OTE has undoubtedly contributed to his development, and South Carolina fans will be hoping that his experience in the league will help him make an immediate impact in the SEC.

2. Jalen Curry – Potential South Carolina Commit with Overtime Elite Ties

Another highly regarded player to keep an eye on is Jalen Curry, a 2024 guard who has shown immense potential and has spent time with Overtime Elite. Curry is known for his explosive scoring ability and playmaking, making him an intriguing target for the Gamecocks as they look to strengthen their guard play for the future.

Curry’s skill set was developed during his time with OTE, and he has showcased his ability to be a dynamic offensive player who can score at all three levels. His vision on the floor and his ability to handle the basketball make him a highly sought-after recruit. As South Carolina continues to develop under Coach Lamont Paris, securing a commitment from a player like Curry would significantly elevate the Gamecocks’ backcourt for the upcoming seasons.

Though Curry has yet to officially commit to South Carolina, the Gamecocks have been in consistent communication with him, and his ties to Overtime Elite give him valuable experience that would make him an immediate asset to the program. South Carolina is hoping to land Curry’s commitment, as his addition could further build on the momentum generated by the Gamecocks’ recruiting class.

3. Kiyan Anthony – South Carolina Women’s Basketball Target with Overtime Elite Interest

While South Carolina’s men’s program has been closely linked to Overtime Elite in recent years, South Carolina women’s basketball has also seen several elite prospects express interest in the league. One such player is Kiyan Anthony, a highly touted guard who is expected to be a part of the 2024 recruiting class. She is the daughter of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, and she has garnered significant attention due to her high-level basketball skills and basketball pedigree.

Anthony is expected to be one of the most talented players in the 2024 class and has already shown that she can compete at an elite level. While many anticipate her joining a college program such as South Carolina, she has also been linked with Overtime Elite, where she could gain valuable experience in a professional environment. Should she opt to take the OTE route, it would represent a major shift in how the Gamecocks recruit and interact with top-tier prospects.

The Gamecocks have been keeping a close eye on Kiyan Anthony, knowing that her talent and potential could significantly impact their future. She has the skills to compete immediately at the collegiate level, and her eventual decision will play a major role in shaping the future of South Carolina women’s basketball. While the OTE may present her with an attractive option, South Carolina’s program has proven its ability to develop players into national champions, and that might be too enticing for Anthony to pass up.

4. Chris Livingston – South Carolina Target with OTE Exposure

Chris Livingston, a 2023 recruit, is another player with significant OTE exposure who could eventually commit to South Carolina. Livingston is a versatile forward who excels at scoring in transition, defending, and contributing on both ends of the floor. His development in OTE has helped him develop a more polished offensive game, and he has become one of the top players in the 2023 class.

While Livingston has not yet committed to South Carolina, the Gamecocks are among the teams recruiting him heavily. His experience in OTE, along with the mentorship and professional development he received, could play a significant role in his decision-making process. If he does decide to play for the Gamecocks, his elite scoring ability and work ethic would provide an immediate boost to South Carolina’s roster.

5. South Carolina’s Overtime Elite Targets: Future Recruiting Shifts

As Overtime Elite continues to rise in prominence, South Carolina basketball – both the men’s and women’s teams – will need to adapt their recruiting strategies to keep pace with this growing trend. With many players choosing OTE as a way to bypass the traditional route of high school basketball and college, the Gamecocks will likely continue to target these players as they look to build championship-caliber teams.

For the men’s team, bringing in players with OTE experience like GG Jackson and Jalen Curry can help elevate the program and bring immediate impact to a team that is looking to take the next step in the SEC. For the women’s team, players like Kiyan Anthony could provide the Gamecocks with much-needed talent and depth as they continue their dominance in NCAA women’s basketball.

 Overtime Elite and South Carolina Basketball’s Future

The rise of Overtime Elite is reshaping the landscape of youth basketball, providing athletes with an alternative path to professional success. For South Carolina basketball, the emergence of OTE represents both an opportunity and a challenge in recruiting the best talent.

As South Carolina’s basketball programs continue to build on their respective successes, commitments and recruits from the OTE Championship Series will likely play an increasingly prominent role in the future. The Gamecocks will need to stay ahead of the curve and continue to forge strong relationships with these players who are considering the OTE route, knowing that some of the nation’s top talent may come through this league.

Whether it’s GG Jackson’s decision to join the Gamecocks after a stint with OTE or future recruits like Jalen Curry or Kiyan Anthony considering their options, OTE is undoubtedly a new chapter in South Carolina’s basketball recruiting saga. The Gamecocks must remain competitive in this evolving recruiting landscape, ensuring that they continue to land the best players, no matter where they play before they arrive in Columbia.