South Carolina Gamecocks basketball lands 5-star guard Brooklyn Stewart, the No. 1 overall player in the 2025 class, boosting excitement for future seasons and solidifying their recruiting success.

The South Carolina Gamecocks basketball program has long been a formidable force in the SEC, but with the recent commitment of 5-star guard Brooklyn Stewart, the excitement surrounding the program has reached new heights. Stewart, the No. 1 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class according to 247Sports, has decided to bring his considerable talents to Columbia, South Carolina. This move not only strengthens the Gamecocks’ recruiting class for the 2025 season but also solidifies South Carolina’s place as one of the rising programs in college basketball.

Brooklyn Stewart’s decision to commit to South Carolina has been met with overwhelming excitement from fans, players, and coaches alike. Stewart is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and versatile players in the country, and his decision to join the Gamecocks signals the program’s intent to contend at the highest levels of college basketball for years to come. The addition of a player of Stewart’s caliber has already ignited speculation about the potential success of the program in the coming seasons.

Brooklyn Stewart: The 5-Star Phenomenon

To understand just how significant Stewart’s commitment is, we need to first dive into what makes him such a highly sought-after player. Brooklyn Stewart, a 6-foot-5 guard, possesses a rare combination of athleticism, court vision, and scoring ability that has made him a standout at the high school level. His ability to play both on and off the ball gives him an incredible versatility that allows him to impact the game in a variety of ways.

Stewart is known for his explosive first step, his ability to finish through contact, and his defensive prowess. His offensive game is multi-dimensional—he can score from anywhere on the floor, whether it’s slashing to the rim, pulling up for a jumper, or knocking down three-pointers. His combination of size and skill makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents, and it’s no surprise that so many of the top programs in the country were vying for his commitment.

Stewart’s basketball IQ is equally impressive. He reads the game at an elite level, understanding how to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. His court vision allows him to make quick decisions, often leading to highlight-reel assists or scoring opportunities. On the defensive end, his length and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions, making him an asset on both sides of the ball.

What sets Stewart apart from many of his peers, however, is his work ethic. Known for his relentless drive and commitment to improvement, Stewart has consistently worked to refine his skills and add new facets to his game. This dedication to becoming a better player is part of what has made him a top-tier recruit and is one of the reasons why South Carolina head coach Lamont Paris is thrilled to have him join the program.

The Impact of Stewart’s Commitment on South Carolina’s Recruiting Class

Stewart’s commitment represents a significant step forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks, and it highlights the program’s growing ability to attract top-tier talent. Stewart is not only the highest-rated player in the 2025 class but also a player who can immediately contribute and make an impact at the collegiate level. His arrival is expected to provide a boost to South Carolina’s already strong recruiting efforts and elevate the program’s profile on the national stage.

The Gamecocks’ 2025 recruiting class now features several highly ranked players, and Stewart’s commitment is the crown jewel of the group. By landing a 5-star talent like Stewart, South Carolina has solidified its status as one of the top programs in the SEC and set the stage for future success. The addition of Stewart, combined with the other top-tier recruits coming in, gives the Gamecocks the foundation for a potential championship-contending team in the coming years.

Stewart’s commitment is also a testament to the work that head coach Lamont Paris and his staff have put into building the South Carolina program. Paris, who took over as head coach in 2022, has made it clear that he’s committed to building a program that can compete with the best in the nation. Landing a 5-star recruit like Stewart signals that Paris’s vision is beginning to take shape and that South Carolina is poised to make noise on the national stage.

What Brooklyn Stewart Brings to the Gamecocks

When Brooklyn Stewart takes the floor for South Carolina, he will be stepping into a program that is ready to make a splash in the SEC and beyond. Stewart is a player who can immediately step in and make a difference, and his skill set will complement the talents of his future teammates. His versatility as a guard will allow him to play multiple positions, giving the Gamecocks a dynamic offensive weapon who can do it all.

Offensively, Stewart will likely be called upon to be one of the primary scorers for the Gamecocks. His ability to score in transition, break down defenses off the dribble, and shoot from long range will make him a tough cover for opposing teams. With his ability to create for both himself and others, Stewart will likely serve as a focal point of South Carolina’s offense, setting up teammates while also looking to put points on the board.

Defensively, Stewart’s size and athleticism give him the ability to guard multiple positions, making him an asset on that side of the floor as well. His length will allow him to contest shots, disrupt passing lanes, and be a presence in the paint. Stewart’s commitment to defense will be a key factor in his success at the collegiate level, and his ability to guard multiple positions will give South Carolina a defensive advantage.

Beyond his physical gifts, Stewart’s mental approach to the game is what makes him truly special. His high basketball IQ and maturity allow him to impact the game in ways that go beyond just scoring. Whether it’s making the right pass, calling out defensive assignments, or encouraging his teammates, Stewart has the leadership qualities that make him a player to build a program around. His ability to handle the pressure of being the top recruit in the country and still perform at a high level speaks to his maturity and confidence.

The Broader Impact on South Carolina Basketball

Brooklyn Stewart’s commitment to South Carolina is not just a big deal for the 2025 recruiting class—it’s a game-changer for the entire program. Landing a player of Stewart’s caliber sends a message to the rest of the college basketball world that South Carolina is a destination for top talent. The Gamecocks are no longer just a team fighting for respectability in the SEC; they are positioning themselves as a national contender in the coming years.

Stewart’s decision to commit to South Carolina also brings attention to the growing trend of elite talent choosing programs outside of traditional basketball powerhouses. While programs like Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas have long been the go-to destinations for top recruits, Stewart’s commitment shows that South Carolina can now compete with those programs for the best players in the country. It’s a sign that the Gamecocks are becoming a serious player in the world of college basketball recruiting.

This also has broader implications for the SEC as a whole. South Carolina’s rise to prominence in college basketball will only make the already competitive conference even more exciting. As other programs continue to improve, the SEC is shaping up to be a powerhouse in men’s college basketball for the foreseeable future.

What’s Next for South Carolina Basketball?

While Stewart’s commitment is a massive victory for South Carolina, the work is far from over. The Gamecocks will need to continue building on this momentum, both in recruiting and in player development. Stewart is a tremendous talent, but he won’t be able to carry the team by himself. The Gamecocks will need to surround him with strong players, build team chemistry, and continue improving as a program.

However, with Stewart on board, South Carolina has firmly positioned itself as a team to watch in the coming seasons. The Gamecocks’ success on the court, combined with their ability to attract top talent, will make them a force in the SEC and on the national stage. If Stewart can develop into the player that many expect him to be, South Carolina could very well be a title contender in the near future.

In the end, Brooklyn Stewart’s commitment to South Carolina marks a new era for Gamecocks basketball. The program is set to enter a period of sustained success, and Stewart’s arrival will be a key part of that journey. For fans in Columbia, the excitement surrounding the Gamecocks has never been higher, and the future looks incredibly bright.