Lamont Paris Provides Evaluations of Six Gamecocks Signees: A Glimpse into South Carolina’s Future

As the South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball program looks to build upon its recent successes, Head Coach Lamont Paris has provided insights into the incoming talent for the 2025 season. With a focus on player development and team dynamics, Paris’s evaluations offer a glimpse into the future of the program.

The Signees

1. Eli Ellis – Guard (6’1″, 188 lbs, Hickory, N.C.)

   Eli Ellis, a four-star recruit, brings a wealth of experience and scoring ability to the Gamecocks. Currently playing for Moravian Prep in North Carolina, Ellis has demonstrated exceptional performance, averaging 32.3 points, 7.7 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game in the Overtime Elite league. His accolades include being the OTE all-time leading scorer and winning the 2023-24 OTE MVP. Paris highlights Ellis’s scoring prowess and playmaking abilities as key assets for the team.

2. Hayden Assemian – Forward (6’8″, 220 lbs, Greenville, S.C.)

   A versatile forward, Hayden Assemian has shown promise both offensively and defensively. Playing alongside Ellis at Moravian Prep, Assemian has averaged 4.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game in the OTE league. His previous high school performance included averages of 15.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, contributing to a state championship. Paris appreciates Assemian’s defensive capabilities and his potential to impact the game on both ends of the floor.

3. Grant Polk – Guard (6’7″, 195 lbs, Gainesville, Va.)

   Grant Polk offers a combination of size and skill in the backcourt. At St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., Polk averaged 19.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, setting school records with 95 three-pointers made and 527 points scored. Paris values Polk’s shooting ability and basketball IQ, seeing him as a valuable addition to the team’s perimeter game.

4. EJ Walker – Forward (6’8″, 220 lbs, Florence, Ky.)

   EJ Walker brings a strong inside presence to the Gamecocks. Averaging a double-double with 16.9 points and 11.1 rebounds per game in his senior year at Lloyd Memorial High School, Walker led his team to a district championship. Paris emphasizes Walker’s rebounding and scoring abilities in the paint as essential components for the team’s frontcourt depth.

5. Austin Herro – Guard (6’4″, 190 lbs, Whitnall, Wis.)

   Austin Herro, a three-star recruit, offers versatility and basketball intelligence. In his senior year at Whitnall High School, Herro averaged 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, shooting 45% from the field and 36% from three-point range. Paris appreciates Herro’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game and his potential to develop into a reliable contributor.

6. Arden Conyers – Forward (6’7″, 204 lbs, Blythewood, S.C.)

   Arden Conyers, a redshirt freshman, has shown significant development during his time with the program. Paris notes that Conyers has grown both physically and mentally, and he anticipates that Conyers will make a notable impact in the upcoming season. His length, athleticism, and shot-making ability are attributes that Paris believes will enhance the team’s performance.

Coach Lamont Paris’s evaluations of the six signees provide a comprehensive overview of the incoming talent for the South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball program. With a focus on player development and team dynamics, Paris’s insights highlight the potential contributions of each player. As the team prepares for the 2025 season, the integration of these signees will be crucial in shaping the program’s future success.