“The Fams in Columbia Make Me Feel Safe”: Why South Carolina Felt Like Home from Day One
For many top athletes, choosing a college comes down to facilities, playing time, or NIL opportunities. But for one recruit, it was something deeper—something that couldn’t be measured in stats or scholarships.
“The fans in Colombia make me feel safe,” the player shared. “They knew they wanted me in South Carolina.”
From the moment they stepped foot on campus, there was an undeniable sense of belonging. It wasn’t just the welcoming coaching staff, the impressive facilities, or the Gamecock traditions — it was the people. Whether it was the way fans smiled on the street, the staff who remembered their name, or teammates who treated them like family from the jump, Columbia felt different.
“They didn’t just recruit me because of what I could do on the court,” the player explained. “They recruited me because of who I am off it, too. That hit different.”
South Carolina’s approach to building a program has become increasingly personal under head coach Lamont Paris. With an emphasis on character, community, and connection, the staff makes it a priority to ensure each player knows they’re valued beyond their stats. For this recruit, that level of care wasn’t just a recruiting tactic — it was real.
“Coach Paris was straight up with me,” they said. “He told me exactly how he saw me fitting into the system, what I needed to improve, and how he’d push me to grow. But even more than that, he made me feel seen. That matters.”
It wasn’t just coaches. Players, fans, support staff — they all played a role in making Columbia feel like home.
“You can tell when a place wants you, and when a place needs you. South Carolina needed me. That’s love.”
In an era where hype videos and social media buzz can influence decisions, this commitment stands out for its simplicity and sincerity. It was about trust. Comfort. Safety. A place where someone could grow, not just as an athlete, but as a person.
“I knew I could thrive here. On and off the court. That’s why I chose South Carolina.”
And now, as they prepare to begin the next chapter of their journey in Garnet and Black, it’s clear — this story is about more than basketball. It’s about finding a place that feels like family.
Columbia didn’t just win a commitment. It gained a believer.
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