Former UND guard and North Dakota native Treysen Eaglestaff commits to South Carolina, bolstering the Gamecocks’ backcourt depth.

In the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball, player transfers have become a key part of roster construction, with top programs constantly looking to improve their depth and talent through transfers. The latest addition to South Carolina’s basketball program is former University of North Dakota (UND) guard, Treysen Eaglestaff. Hailing from North Dakota, Eaglestaff’s commitment to the Gamecocks marks a significant move for both the player and the team. His decision to transfer represents a major shift for South Carolina’s backcourt as they look to enhance their roster and continue building a competitive program under head coach Lamont Paris.

Who is Treysen Eaglestaff?

Before diving into how Eaglestaff will fit into South Carolina’s system, it’s important to understand who he is as a player and the journey that has led him to this pivotal moment in his career.

Treysen Eaglestaff hails from a basketball family in North Dakota, where he became a standout player at Bismarck High School. Throughout his high school career, he was known for his scoring ability, high basketball IQ, and leadership on the court. Eaglestaff’s performances in high school garnered attention from college programs across the country, eventually leading him to the University of North Dakota, where he played for the Fighting Hawks.

At UND, Eaglestaff had an immediate impact, showcasing his skills as both a scorer and a playmaker. He became one of the more reliable contributors for the Fighting Hawks, consistently putting up solid numbers in various facets of the game. In his time at UND, Eaglestaff demonstrated his ability to be a dual threat on offense, excelling at both creating opportunities for teammates and taking over as a scorer when needed. He was known for his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and had the ball-handling skills to break down defenses.

Though not considered a “five-star” recruit, Eaglestaff proved to be a significant asset to his team during his time at UND. His playing style was marked by a strong work ethic and a relentless desire to improve. His transfer to South Carolina represents not just a physical move, but also an opportunity for him to elevate his game at a higher level of competition.

South Carolina’s Backcourt Needs

For South Carolina, Eaglestaff’s commitment addresses an immediate need in the backcourt. Since the departure of some key players over the past few seasons, the Gamecocks have had to undergo a roster reconstruction. While they have talent on the wings and in the frontcourt, their backcourt has been a point of concern, especially in terms of playmaking and depth. South Carolina has been looking to bolster its guard positions with capable players who can handle the ball, create for others, and contribute scoring in a variety of ways.

In terms of both experience and versatility, Eaglestaff brings an important element to South Carolina’s backcourt. As a transfer from a mid-major program like UND, Eaglestaff will come in with a level of maturity and a hunger to prove himself at the Power Five level. Having spent his college career in a prominent role for UND, Eaglestaff has the ability to step into the Gamecocks’ rotation and contribute right away. His decision to join South Carolina speaks volumes about his confidence and aspirations, as well as the program’s ability to attract talent from all over the country.

Scoring Threat: Versatility as a Guard

One of Eaglestaff’s primary attributes as a player is his scoring ability. He possesses a well-rounded offensive game, with the ability to score both inside and beyond the arc. As a guard, he is versatile and can fill multiple roles on offense, whether it’s as a primary ball handler or as an off-ball scorer. His ability to shoot from long range allows him to space the floor, which is critical in today’s fast-paced, perimeter-oriented game.

Moreover, Eaglestaff’s offensive IQ is another strong suit. His experience at UND has allowed him to refine his decision-making skills, and he’s capable of reading defenses and making adjustments on the fly. Whether it’s hitting timely three-pointers, attacking the basket off the dribble, or creating opportunities for teammates, Eaglestaff has proven that he can be an offensive catalyst. At South Carolina, where scoring from the backcourt has been a challenge at times, his ability to generate points will be a welcomed asset.

Playmaking and Court Vision

In addition to being a scoring threat, Eaglestaff has demonstrated solid playmaking abilities during his time at UND. His court vision and decision-making with the ball in his hands will be crucial for South Carolina’s offense, which at times has struggled to execute efficiently in half-court sets. Eaglestaff is not just a player who can score in isolation, but one who can create for others. His ability to break down defenses and make the right pass will give South Carolina another player who can orchestrate the offense and keep defenses on their toes.

With the ball in his hands, Eaglestaff can act as a secondary ball handler alongside any primary guard that South Carolina chooses to employ, whether that’s a returning player or another transfer. This flexibility allows him to seamlessly fit into various offensive schemes and gives head coach Lamont Paris more options when drawing up plays. His experience at UND has given him the confidence to take on multiple roles within the offense, which could make him a versatile piece in South Carolina’s backcourt.

Defensive Capabilities

While offense gets most of the attention, defense will also be a critical component of Eaglestaff’s role at South Carolina. Although his defensive skills may not be as well-known as his offensive game, he has shown the ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on that end of the floor. South Carolina’s defense has been one of the program’s calling cards in recent years, and Eaglestaff’s addition provides the Gamecocks with another player who can contribute to that effort.

Eaglestaff is a solid on-ball defender who can stay in front of opposing guards and provide valuable support on the perimeter. His length, combined with his lateral quickness, makes him a formidable defender in one-on-one situations. While he may need to adjust to the increased pace and talent level in the SEC, his defensive fundamentals will be an asset to the team as they continue to build their defensive identity.

What Does Eaglestaff’s Commitment Mean for South Carolina’s Program?

Treysen Eaglestaff’s commitment is more than just a talent acquisition; it’s a signal that South Carolina is serious about competing at a higher level. Lamont Paris, who took over as head coach of the Gamecocks in 2022, has been working to reshape the roster with a combination of transfers and high school recruits. The addition of Eaglestaff is a critical piece in this effort, as it strengthens a position of need and provides the Gamecocks with a mature, experienced player who can contribute immediately.

The Gamecocks’ roster has undergone significant changes in recent seasons, but the foundation is starting to take shape. With players like Eaglestaff, South Carolina’s backcourt becomes more dynamic, giving Paris the flexibility to implement different offensive and defensive strategies. Having a player with Eaglestaff’s versatility—someone who can shoot, create, and defend—adds an extra layer of depth to the squad.

Eaglestaff’s experience playing at UND also brings a unique perspective to the team. His time in a mid-major conference will have exposed him to different styles of play, helping him adjust to the rigors of the SEC. South Carolina’s program has a storied history of developing tough, competitive teams, and Eaglestaff represents the type of player who can help them return to prominence in the league.

Looking Ahead: Eaglestaff’s Impact on the Gamecocks

As Eaglestaff integrates into South Carolina’s system, all eyes will be on how he adapts to life in the SEC. The competition will undoubtedly be tougher, and Eaglestaff will need to continue improving his game to make an impact. However, his skill set, leadership, and mental toughness make him a player to watch closely in the coming seasons.

For South Carolina, adding a player like Eaglestaff is crucial to their long-term success. His versatility on both ends of the floor, combined with his experience and competitive spirit, make him a valuable addition to the program. As the Gamecocks aim to compete with the top programs in the SEC, players like Treysen Eaglestaff will be key to their aspirations of building a championship-caliber team.

In the world of college basketball, where rosters are constantly shifting and evolving, the commitment of Treysen Eaglestaff to South Carolina stands out as a moment of significant promise. His impact will not be measured by a single game or season but by his ability to elevate his game and help the Gamecocks do the same. With his leadership and skill set, Eaglestaff could very well play a pivotal role in shaping the future of South Carolina basketball.