ESPN NEWS: No. 1 Player in America, Four-Star Forward Ava Thompson Commits to South Carolina Gamecocks Women’s Basketball Over Alabama, Tennessee Vols, and Other Contenders
In a major boost for the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball program, four-star forward Ava Thompson, the No. 1 ranked player in America, has officially committed to joining Dawn Staley’s powerhouse team. Thompson, a 6-foot-2 forward from Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the most highly sought-after recruits in the country and has had a standout high school career that has captured the attention of college programs nationwide.
Her decision to commit to South Carolina is a significant win for the Gamecocks, who have already solidified their reputation as one of the premier teams in women’s college basketball. Thompson’s commitment, which comes after a hard-fought recruitment battle with SEC rivals Alabama and Tennessee, further cements South Carolina’s standing as an elite program capable of landing top-tier talent from across the country.
A Phenomenal High School Career
Thompson’s rise to the top of the recruiting rankings has been nothing short of spectacular. Over the past few years, she has evolved into one of the most dominant players in high school basketball, combining size, skill, and athleticism that make her a matchup nightmare for opponents. As a forward, Thompson has the versatility to impact the game in a variety of ways. She excels both as a scorer and a playmaker, with the ability to drive to the basket, shoot from mid-range, and stretch the floor with her outside shooting.
Throughout her high school career, Thompson has demonstrated a remarkable ability to take over games, showcasing her leadership on and off the court. Her basketball IQ, combined with her physical tools, has allowed her to dominate both offensively and defensively, and she is known for her relentless work ethic and determination to improve.
Her high school statistics are impressive—averaging over 20 points per game, 10 rebounds, and several blocks, Thompson has become a key figure for her high school team, leading them to multiple state championships. In addition to her scoring and rebounding, Thompson is a versatile defender, capable of guarding multiple positions with her length and agility.
Thompson’s exceptional performance at various national events and her success at the grassroots level helped catapult her into the conversation as the top-ranked player in the 2025 recruiting class. She has also garnered attention from basketball scouts and analysts, many of whom have hailed her as one of the most complete players to come through the high school ranks in recent years.
The Recruiting Battle: South Carolina vs. Alabama, Tennessee, and Others
Thompson’s recruitment was one of the most highly anticipated in women’s basketball. Several elite programs made strong pushes for the talented forward, but it ultimately came down to a few key schools: Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Each program presented its unique pitch, but ultimately, it was South Carolina that won out in the end.
Alabama was one of the first schools to make a significant push for Thompson. The Crimson Tide, under head coach Kristy Curry, offered a program that had been steadily improving and had shown promise in recent seasons. With a combination of strong offensive play and an emphasis on building a successful future, Alabama was an intriguing option for Thompson. However, despite their efforts, they were unable to convince the five-star forward to join their ranks.
Tennessee, under the leadership of head coach Kellie Harper, also made a strong case for Thompson’s services. Tennessee has a storied tradition in women’s basketball, with a rich history of championships and player development. The Volunteers offered Thompson the opportunity to compete in one of the most competitive environments in the nation. Tennessee’s focus on developing all-around players and their ability to attract top recruits made them a formidable contender for Thompson’s commitment. However, despite the Vols’ success and tradition, Thompson ultimately decided that South Carolina was the best fit for her.
South Carolina, however, proved to be the perfect destination for Thompson. Under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks have become one of the most dominant teams in women’s college basketball, consistently contending for national championships. Staley’s ability to develop players at the highest level, paired with the program’s strong emphasis on defense, rebounding, and team-first mentality, made the Gamecocks an ideal landing spot for Thompson.
Additionally, Thompson’s decision to join South Carolina was influenced by the opportunity to play alongside some of the best talent in the nation. With players like Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke, who have helped elevate the program to national prominence, Thompson will be joining a team that is already established as a championship contender. The Gamecocks’ track record of success, particularly in developing top-tier players, likely played a significant role in Thompson’s decision.
Thompson’s Impact on South Carolina
Thompson’s commitment to South Carolina has immediately sent ripples through the college basketball world. As one of the top players in the nation, she is expected to make an immediate impact for the Gamecocks. Her combination of size, athleticism, and versatility gives South Carolina a major weapon on both ends of the floor.
On offense, Thompson’s ability to score in a variety of ways will be a tremendous asset to the Gamecocks. She has a smooth shooting stroke and can stretch the defense with her three-point shooting, which will complement the inside game of players like Aliyah Boston. Her ability to drive to the basket and finish through contact will also help South Carolina in tight games, especially when playing against tough SEC defenses.
Defensively, Thompson is expected to make an immediate impact as well. Her length and ability to guard multiple positions make her an ideal fit for South Carolina’s defensive schemes, which emphasize versatility and pressure. Thompson’s shot-blocking ability, combined with her ability to get into passing lanes, will allow the Gamecocks to continue to dominate on defense, a hallmark of Staley’s teams.
Moreover, Thompson’s leadership on the court will be crucial in the coming seasons. As one of the most highly recruited players in the country, she will be expected to step into a leadership role and help mentor younger players on the roster. Her experience playing at a high level, coupled with her competitive spirit, will help her transition smoothly into the college game.
What This Means for South Carolina’s Future
Thompson’s commitment is a significant statement for the future of South Carolina women’s basketball. With the Gamecocks continuing to be a force in the SEC and on the national stage, adding a player of Thompson’s caliber only strengthens their chances of continuing their success.
This commitment also solidifies South Carolina’s position as one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball. With Dawn Staley at the helm, South Carolina has become a destination for top recruits, and Thompson’s decision to commit to the Gamecocks signals that the program is likely to remain a dominant force for years to come.
The Gamecocks will be looking to continue their success in both the SEC and NCAA Tournament, and Thompson will be a key piece in their pursuit of another national championship. With a talented roster already in place, Thompson’s addition could be the missing piece that propels South Carolina to even greater heights.
A Bright Future for Ava Thompson
For Ava Thompson, this is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and successful collegiate career. With her work ethic, talent, and leadership qualities, she is primed to make an immediate impact at South Carolina and play a central role in the team’s pursuit of future championships. As the No. 1 player in America, Thompson’s commitment is a monumental win for South Carolina and sets the stage for a bright future in Gamecocks women’s basketball.
In conclusion, Thompson’s decision to commit to South Carolina over Alabama, Tennessee, and other contenders is a game-changer for the Gamecocks. With her skill set and leadership, Thompson is poised to help take the program to new heights and continue its legacy of excellence in women’s college basketball. As the Gamecocks look to build on their championship pedigree, Thompson’s arrival will undoubtedly play a major role in their future success.