Jezelle “GG” Banks, the No. 4-ranked player in the 2027 recruiting class, dropped a bombshell today, committing to play for Coach Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks. This isn’t just another recruit; Banks, a phenomenal point guard, chose the Gamecocks over powerhouse programs like Texas and LSU, and her reasons are a masterclass in why Staley’s program is on a different level.
The Viral Sensation Who Picked Columbia
This isn’t some secret, under-the-radar talent. GG Banks, hailing from Wilmington, Delaware, and playing for St. James Performance Academy in Virginia, is already a household name in basketball circles. She’s the No. 4 player in her class, yeah, but that doesn’t even tell the full story. This past summer was absolutely huge for her. The girl won the inaugural WNBA All-Star Shooting Stars competition, teaming up with Shakira Austin and Elena Delle Donne in Chicago. And her Overtime Select highlight reel? It exploded, racking up a ridiculous 8.7 million views and still climbing. That’s superstar buzz before she even steps on a college court! Banks even told CBS Sports in August she models her game after NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, emphasizing not just his skillset, but his mentality and leadership. She wants to be allowed to make mistakes and develop her game, not change who she is.
Staley’s Honesty Sealed the Deal
So, why South Carolina? When Banks spoke to ESPN, she laid it all out, and honestly, it says everything about what Dawn Staley has built. Here’s exactly what she said: “From my first time meeting Dawn, to Coach Jo and the staff making me feel right at home, I knew this was where I belonged. They never just recruited me as a player, they recruited me as a person, and they were honest with me about what it would take to get where I want to go. I want to compete for national championships, and I want to be pushed every single day.” You hear that? That’s a player who wants to win, and she knows Staley is the coach to get her there. Staley has transformed the Gamecocks into a legit women’s basketball powerhouse, pulling in three national championships (2017, 2022, 2024), hitting six straight Final Fours, and playing for the title in three consecutive seasons. Even after losing to UCLA in the championship game this past April, Staley reloaded like crazy, bringing in the No. 2-ranked 2026 recruiting class with talents like guard Jerzy Robinson (No. 3) and forward Oliviyah Edwards (No. 5). The only real “need” for Columbia was at point guard, and now? With Banks’ commitment, the Gamecocks just locked in a dangerous backcourt for years to come.
This is massive for the Gamecocks, adding a talent like Banks to an already stacked roster. Get ready, women’s college basketball, because Dawn Staley landed a future superstar, and South Carolina is not slowing down.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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