JUST IN: South Carolina Gamecocks Women’s Basketball Lands Five-Star Guard Olivia Hamlin Over Major SEC Competitors, 2026 Class Commits to South Carolina

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JUST IN: South Carolina Gamecocks Women’s Basketball Lands Five-Star Guard Olivia Hamlin Over Major SEC Competitors, 2026 Class Commits to South Carolina

In a huge win for South Carolina women’s basketball, the Gamecocks have secured the commitment of five-star guard Olivia Hamlin, a top recruit in the 2026 class. Hamlin, regarded as one of the most dynamic and skilled guards in the nation, chose South Carolina over several major SEC competitors, further solidifying the Gamecocks’ status as a powerhouse program.

Hamlin’s commitment is a significant development for head coach Dawn Staley’s already stellar recruiting class. Known for her exceptional ball-handling, scoring ability, and defensive prowess, Hamlin has been widely regarded as a future star in the college basketball world. Her decision to join South Carolina further enhances the team’s recruiting dominance and is expected to add another dimension to the Gamecocks’ future.

Hamlin’s recruitment was one of the most closely watched in recent months, with several SEC schools, including powerhouse programs, vying for her commitment. However, after much deliberation, Hamlin decided that South Carolina offered the best opportunity for her growth and development as both a player and a person. This is a massive addition to a program that continues to raise the bar in women’s college basketball.

The 5-star guard has shown exceptional versatility on the court, capable of playing both the point guard and shooting guard positions. Her ability to score from all areas of the court, combined with her vision and passing skills, make her a perfect fit for South Carolina’s fast-paced, high-pressure style of play. Her defensive acumen is also a key part of her game, allowing her to excel in creating turnovers and transitioning the ball quickly.

Hamlin’s commitment is a huge statement for the Gamecocks, further solidifying their dominance in the SEC and nationwide. Her addition to the roster promises to enhance the team’s depth and provides coach Staley with another high-caliber player to build the future of South Carolina women’s basketball.

South Carolina fans are already excited to see what Hamlin can bring to the team once she arrives on campus. With her combination of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ, Olivia Hamlin is poised to make an immediate impact and help keep the Gamecocks at the top of the college basketball landscape.

Hamlin’s Decision: Why South Carolina?

Olivia Hamlin’s commitment to South Carolina is not just a win for the Gamecocks, but a testament to the incredible trajectory of the program under head coach Dawn Staley. After considering numerous offers from powerhouse programs across the country, Hamlin chose to commit to the Gamecocks, citing several factors that influenced her decision.

One of the biggest draws for Hamlin was South Carolina’s reputation for developing elite talent. Coach Staley has built one of the most successful and respected women’s basketball programs in the nation, leading the Gamecocks to multiple SEC titles and NCAA championships. Hamlin believes that South Carolina’s environment will allow her to maximize her potential as both a player and a leader. The team’s high level of competition, exceptional coaching staff, and commitment to excellence were all critical elements in her decision-making process.

Furthermore, Hamlin expressed her excitement about joining a team that prides itself on defensive intensity and high-pressure play, areas where she believes she can thrive. Staley’s emphasis on developing well-rounded players—capable of excelling offensively and defensively—was a key factor in Hamlin’s decision. With her combination of skill on both ends of the floor, Hamlin sees the Gamecocks as the ideal place to enhance her abilities and reach her full potential.

What Hamlin Brings to South Carolina

Olivia Hamlin’s basketball résumé speaks for itself. As a five-star recruit, she is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2026 class and has earned accolades for her performance at every level of play. Standing at 6’0”, she offers the rare combination of size, agility, and basketball IQ, allowing her to be a standout player on both ends of the floor.

Offensively, Hamlin has shown the ability to score in a variety of ways. Whether it’s driving to the basket, pulling up for a mid-range jumper, or knocking down three-pointers, she can score from virtually anywhere on the court. Her ball-handling skills are elite, enabling her to create opportunities for herself and her teammates. As a playmaker, she possesses a strong vision and passing ability, making her a natural facilitator who can run the offense and keep defenses on their toes.

On the defensive side of the ball, Hamlin is just as impressive. Her length and athleticism make her a lockdown defender, capable of guarding multiple positions. Whether it’s pressuring the ball or disrupting passing lanes, Hamlin is known for her tenacity and ability to make plays on defense. Her defensive prowess will be a great addition to South Carolina’s already formidable defensive system, which has been a hallmark of the team’s success in recent years.

South Carolina’s Recruiting Success Under Staley

The addition of Olivia Hamlin to South Carolina’s 2026 recruiting class is the latest feather in Coach Dawn Staley’s cap

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