South Carolina Gamecocks Get Massive Addition for 2025 Season
The South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball team is getting a major boost for the 2025–26 season, as former South Florida guard Kobe Knox has officially committed to playing in Columbia after withdrawing from the NBA Draft.
Knox had initially declared for the NBA Draft while also entering the NCAA transfer portal, keeping his professional options open. However, he ultimately decided to return to college basketball, choosing the Gamecocks as his next destination. His decision to fully commit to South Carolina signals a strong step forward for a program coming off a difficult 2024–25 campaign.
During his last season at South Florida, Knox posted solid numbers, averaging:
- 10.8 points
- 3.1 rebounds
- 1.6 assists per game
He also displayed shooting efficiency, connecting on 46.3% of his field goal attempts and 33.1% from beyond the arc. His ability to score at all three levels and provide stability on both ends of the floor should make him an immediate contributor for head coach Lamont Paris.
Knox’s addition brings depth, versatility, and veteran presence to a Gamecocks team eager to bounce back in the competitive Southeastern Conference. His commitment also reflects positively on the program’s recruiting efforts and development reputation, as they secure a player who had garnered NBA attention.
With Knox joining the fold, optimism is building in Columbia that the Gamecocks could be poised for a significant turnaround next season.
Kobe Knox’s basketball journey is a testament to perseverance and steady development. Originally an unranked prospect out of high school, Knox began his collegiate career at Grand Canyon University, a program known for its strong coaching and competitive Western Athletic Conference (WAC) play. After a stint there, he transferred to the University of South Florida (USF), where he spent the past two seasons refining his game and significantly increasing his impact on the court.
At USF, Knox emerged as a reliable contributor, culminating in his 2024–25 season averages of 10.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. His shooting efficiency—46.3% from the field and 33.1% from three-point range—highlighted his growth as a scorer and his ability to stretch the floor.
Despite being unranked out of high school, Knox gained recognition in the transfer market. As a transfer, he was rated a three-star prospect, a sign of how much his game had matured during his time in college. That development caught the attention of both NBA scouts and major Division I programs.
Now, with his decision to withdraw from the NBA Draft and commit to South Carolina, Knox is expected to bring a polished, experienced presence to the Gamecocks’ backcourt. His unique journey from an overlooked high school player to a key SEC contributor underscores his work ethic and potential to thrive at the next level of competition.
South Carolina men’s basketball is laying the groundwork for a strong rebound in the 2025–26 season, and the addition of Kobe Knox is just one piece of a promising puzzle. The Gamecocks are also bringing in a strong 2025 recruiting class, which, when paired with experienced transfers like Knox, has fans and analysts cautiously optimistic about the team’s trajectory.
Head coach Lamont Paris is under pressure to deliver after a stark drop-off in his second year. After an impressive debut season that saw South Carolina return to the NCAA Tournament, the team finished last in the SEC during the 2024–25 campaign. That regression raised questions about the program’s direction, but this offseason has seen a focused effort to rebuild and retool.
Paris has made it clear that competing in the ultra-competitive SEC is the program’s priority. By blending incoming freshmen talent with proven college players like Knox—who brings two years of experience at USF and a stint at Grand Canyon—Paris is building a more balanced and deeper roster.
The 2025 recruiting class is expected to inject energy and skill into the rotation, while Knox adds shooting, maturity, and versatility. If these pieces can come together on the court, South Carolina could be a dark horse candidate to climb back into SEC contention.
Now, as always in college basketball, the offseason wins need to translate into regular season results. The foundation looks promising—it’s time for the Gamecocks to prove it.
