South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball endured another frustrating season in 2025–26, marking their third losing record in four years under head coach Lamont Paris. As the program looks to regain its footing, the Gamecocks are turning to the transfer portal for help this time adding a player with strong in-state ties.
Shane Blakeney, a standout guard from Drexel Dragons men’s basketball, has committed to South Carolina. The news was first reported by Jon Chepkevich of DraftExpress, via Blakeney’s representation. His arrival gives the Gamecocks a proven scorer as they try to reverse their recent struggles.
A native of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Blakeney began his college career as part of Drexel’s 2023 recruiting class. He saw limited action as a freshman, appearing in 22 games, but began to carve out a more defined role during the 2024–25 season. Coming off the bench, he averaged 7.5 points and 3.6 rebounds in just under 25 minutes per game, showing flashes of the all-around ability that would soon elevate his game.
That leap came in a big way during the 2025–26 season. As a junior, Blakeney developed into Drexel’s top offensive option, leading the team with 14.2 points per game while starting all 33 contests. He also contributed 5.1 rebounds per game, demonstrating his versatility and consistency on both ends of the floor. His performance earned him second-team All-CAA honors, solidifying his reputation as one of the conference’s more productive players.
For South Carolina, Blakeney’s addition represents more than just a statistical boost. His familiarity with the state and desire to play closer to home could help him make an immediate impact both on and off the court. The Gamecocks have struggled to find consistent offensive production in recent seasons, and Blakeney’s scoring ability should help address that issue.
While there are no guarantees in the transfer portal, South Carolina is clearly hoping that Blakeney’s upward trajectory continues in the SEC. If he can replicate or even build upon his success at Drexel, he could play a key role in helping the Gamecocks move back toward competitiveness after several challenging seasons.
