One of the fastest risers in the Carolinas in the spring, Barnes picks Gamecocks over UNC, UK, Miami, Rutgers, and Miss St.
The college basketball recruiting world was shaken in the spring of 2025 when one of the most highly coveted players in the Carolinas, 6-foot-8 forward Isaiah Barnes, announced his decision to commit to the South Carolina Gamecocks. The announcement, made on social media with a simple graphic and a heartfelt caption, came after months of speculation about where Barnes would land, given his rapid rise through recruiting rankings and the highly competitive nature of the recruitment process. What made this decision particularly notable was the list of powerhouse programs that Barnes chose to turn down in favor of Coach Dawn Staley’s program.
In a recruitment that included some of the biggest names in college basketball—such as the University of North Carolina, Kentucky, Miami, Rutgers, and Mississippi State—Barnes’ choice to join the Gamecocks sent a clear message to the college basketball world that South Carolina’s women’s basketball program has not only remained relevant but is continuing to build a dynasty that attracts top-tier talent. The announcement was made during an emotional press conference at his high school gym in Charlotte, North Carolina, where a packed room of media members, teammates, and friends gathered to witness the beginning of what promises to be a spectacular career.
“I’m excited to announce that I’ll be continuing my basketball journey at the University of South Carolina,” Barnes said, his voice filled with emotion. “The decision wasn’t easy, but it was clear to me that Coach Staley and the Gamecocks are the best place for me to grow, both as a player and as a person. I’m looking forward to contributing to this incredible program and to doing my part in helping them reach even greater heights.”
With his commitment, Barnes joins an already stacked roster that includes several key returners, promising underclassmen, and a group of talented newcomers. His decision was significant not only because of his immense talent but also due to the fact that South Carolina was able to win a recruiting battle against some of the most prestigious programs in the nation.
Barnes wasn’t always considered a surefire future NBA prospect, but his rise through the ranks over the past year has been nothing short of meteoric. His breakthrough moment came during his junior season of high school, when he led Charlotte’s West Charlotte High School to a state championship and was named the MVP of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s 4A state tournament.
His combination of size, skill, and athleticism—coupled with a rapidly expanding basketball IQ—made him one of the most difficult players to stop in the state. Barnes has the kind of versatile game that can dominate at multiple positions: He can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, finish with power around the rim, and create mismatches with his ability to guard both forwards and centers. On the defensive end, Barnes is a tenacious rebounder, shot blocker, and perimeter defender, giving him the all-around game that makes him a top-tier recruit.
“Isaiah’s work ethic and natural talent have always set him apart,” said West Charlotte head coach Tony Williams. “He’s one of those players who just loves the game and works tirelessly to improve. What’s really impressive is how much he’s grown in the last year alone. He’s become not just a scorer, but also a facilitator and leader on the court. His decision to commit to South Carolina is a huge deal, and it speaks volumes about his belief in Coach Staley and the direction of their program.”
Barnes’ rapid rise through the recruiting ranks also caught the attention of national scouting services. By the spring of 2025, he had firmly established himself as a five-star recruit and was ranked among the top 15 players in the country, with some services even placing him in the top 10. His recruitment was particularly notable because of how quickly he went from being a relatively unknown commodity to one of the hottest prospects in the nation.
“Isaiah’s combination of size, athleticism, and versatility is rare,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Jonathan Givony. “He’s a player who can impact a game in so many ways, and he has the potential to develop into a star at the next level. South Carolina is getting an elite prospect, and it’s no surprise that they were able to secure his commitment.”
For Barnes, choosing the right college wasn’t just about basketball. He had spent countless hours researching potential programs, talking to coaches, and seeking advice from mentors and family members. Each of the schools that made his final list—North Carolina, Kentucky, Miami, Rutgers, and Mississippi State—had their own unique appeal.
North Carolina, a school rich in basketball tradition, had long been considered a top contender for Barnes’ services. The Tar Heels had made a strong pitch, emphasizing their legacy of developing top-level players and their position in the ACC. Kentucky, led by head coach Kyra Elzy, has been one of the most successful programs in women’s college basketball and was also seen as a frontrunner. Miami, with its up-and-coming program and a focus on developing versatile, high-energy players, was another program that piqued Barnes’ interest.
However, it was South Carolina’s combination of team success, culture, and development that ultimately won him over. The Gamecocks, led by legendary head coach Dawn Staley, have established themselves as a juggernaut in women’s college basketball, winning national championships and consistently competing at the highest level. For Barnes, the appeal was not just about the Gamecocks’ success, but also about the opportunity to play for a coach he deeply admired.
“Coach Staley is someone I’ve always looked up to,” Barnes said in an interview following his commitment. “She’s a winner, and she’s someone who has shown that she can take players to the next level. Her ability to get the best out of her players is something that really stood out to me during my recruitment. The culture she’s built at South Carolina is unmatched, and I want to be a part of that.”
South Carolina’s success over the past decade was undoubtedly a big factor in Barnes’ decision. The Gamecocks have been a consistent force in women’s college basketball, and their ability to develop players into pros has made them an attractive destination for top recruits. With an NCAA championship, multiple Final Four appearances, and a track record of placing players in the WNBA, the Gamecocks are now seen as one of the premier programs in the country.
Beyond the program’s success, South Carolina offered Barnes the opportunity to develop in a system that played to his strengths. Coach Staley’s fast-paced, positionless style of play is ideal for a player like Barnes, whose versatility allows him to excel in a variety of roles. Whether it’s as a stretch forward, a rim protector, or a playmaker on offense, Barnes will be able to showcase all aspects of his game in South Carolina’s system.
“I’m excited about the idea of playing for a coach who will give me the freedom to grow and experiment with different roles on the court,” Barnes said. “I want to be a well-rounded player, and I feel like South Carolina is the best place for me to do that.”
In addition to Staley’s reputation as a coach, the opportunity to play alongside other elite talents, both incoming recruits and returning players, made South Carolina even more appealing. The Gamecocks’ roster, which was already stacked heading into the 2025/26 season, will be bolstered by Barnes’ addition, giving them one of the most talented and deep teams in the nation.
“We’re thrilled to have Isaiah join our program,” said Coach Staley. “He’s a player who fits our system perfectly. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor is exactly what we’re looking for. Isaiah is a winner, and we’re excited to help him develop into an even better player during his time at South Carolina.”
Isaiah Barnes’ commitment is a major win for South Carolina, as it solidifies their status as a top-tier program in women’s college basketball. His decision also signals that the Gamecocks are not just content with maintaining their success—they are actively looking to build on it.
With Barnes on board, the Gamecocks’ 2025/26 season is shaping up to be a highly anticipated one. The addition of a player of his caliber only strengthens their chances of another NCAA title and gives them even more firepower as they head into a competitive SEC season.
Barnes’ commitment also represents a shift in the broader landscape of women’s college basketball recruiting. As South Carolina continues to dominate on the recruiting trail, it may signal a shift in the balance of power, with the Gamecocks now firmly entrenched as a destination for top-tier recruits.
As for Barnes, his decision to commit to South Carolina represents the beginning of a new chapter in his basketball career. With his talent, work ethic, and potential, he is poised to become a star in the SEC and make an immediate impact for the Gamecocks.
While it remains to be seen what kind of impact he will have in his first year at South Carolina, one thing is clear: Barnes is a player to watch in the coming years, and his decision to play for one of the best programs in the country will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of his career.
For now, though, the South Carolina faithful can celebrate the arrival of one of the top recruits in the country and look forward to the exciting future that Barnes will help create.
