Just in: Forward Elijah Strong has committed to the South Carolina men’s basketball team after a visit this weekend.

Elijah Strong, a 6-foot-8, 235-pound forward from Charlotte, North Carolina, has committed to the South Carolina men’s basketball team following a visit this past weekend. His decision marks the fifth transfer acquisition for the Gamecocks from the NCAA Transfer Portal, adding valuable frontcourt depth as they gear up for the upcoming season.

Strong began his collegiate career at Boston College, where he played two seasons. As a freshman during the 2023–24 season, he appeared in 19 games and made one start. He averaged 3 points per game while shooting 52% from the field, with a season-high 14-point performance against Clemson on January 13, 2024. His playing time was limited, but he showed flashes of potential in key matchups.

In his sophomore year (2024–25), Strong saw a significant increase in both minutes and production. He earned a starting role as a power forward and posted several impressive performances throughout the season. One of his standout games came in a win against Temple, where he scored a career-high 25 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. He also made a clutch overtime three-pointer in a tightly contested win over Missouri State. Over the course of the season, he averaged 9.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and just under one assist per game, while shooting 45.2% from the floor.

Before his college career, Strong made a name for himself at Myers Park High School in Charlotte. He played a key role in leading the Mustangs to the NCHSAA 4A state championship in his senior year, earning Most Outstanding Player honors for his 22-point performance in the title game. That season, he averaged 15.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 64% from the field. His strong play earned him a spot in the 2023 Carolinas Classic All-Star Game, where he continued to impress with a 14-point showing.

For South Carolina, adding Strong is part of a broader strategy to build a more competitive team through both recruiting and transfer additions. Head coach Lamont Paris has been proactive in bringing in experienced, high-upside players who can contribute immediately. Strong’s versatility as a forward who can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions fits well into the Gamecocks’ system.

With a combination of size, strength, and growing skill on the offensive end, Elijah Strong is expected to compete for significant minutes and could play a key role in South Carolina’s rotation next season. His commitment signals not just a new opportunity for him personally, but also a step forward for the Gamecocks as they continue to strengthen their roster through the transfer portal.