South Carolina men’s basketball won its fourth appointment and third signing of the Class of 2021 when three stars advance TaQuan Woodley (Camden, NJ / Camden) made its pledge on November 18th. On Monday, the head coach Frank Martin said adding Woodley to the group was a result of the 2020 Class signatory Patrick Iriel abruptly leaving the program at the beginning of the pre-season.
“We recruited him just over a year ago,” said Martin. “He’s a guy that we were targeting, but when we caught him JaVon Benson and Patrick, we didn’t need a big one in that (2021) class. When Patrick made the decision he made, I called Chuck Martin and the staff and said, ‘It opens a door and we need a big guy in next year’s class.’
“Chuck said, ‘Do you know that TaQuan has withdrawn from Penn State? I said, ‘Well, we have to get on the phone and call, because I like him a lot.’ We did and it was a very smooth transition from going from being uncommitted to being an option for him right away, because of the connection as people. “
So, what are the Gamecocks getting in the Jersey striker? Martin says to think about Michael Carreraenergy and passion.
“He is a great strong player really talented due to great hands and a great feeling of how to play. He has some of that Michael Carrera malice in him. He plays differently than Michael, but has the same loyalty that Michael showed in that uniform every time he entered the court. It will fit very well with our guys and the ones we have in place.
“He’s 6-8 and 240 pounds and can really move his feet. If people drag him onto a ball screen, he can go out and defend himself and not be a problem. He can really hit the basketball. I think TaQuan can be very good. I was a big fan of him when we recruited him and connected as people too, which is the part that excites me. That’s what I really like about this recruiting class right now. If you go back three years, you will start to see that we actually recruit guys who can not only play, but also fit us as people ”.
Woodley reduced his list to six schools after deciding to give up his promise to the Lions of Nittany, including Georgia, St. Josephs, St. Johns, Temple and LaSalle. Woodley is a potential three-star customer on 247Sports Composite with a rating of 0.8631. He is considered player No. 264 in the class.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer at the time of his commitment to the USP, Woodley had about 20 scholarship offers. He also averaged eight points and 10 rebounds per game and totaled 71 blocks last season at Camden High School, a basketball powerhouse that had 29-1 last season and ended the year with a 25-game winning streak.
“I talk to Chuck Martin and the head coach. They told me that I would be a perfect choice for them and are very excited that I have opened my recruitment back, ”said Woodley recently.
“They love how hard I play and my style of play. I spoke to them last night and Coach Chuck told me a few things about their program. He mentioned his last four players in 2008 and how they got some NBA players, including one playing for the Miami Heat now. He also gave me some information about what they have and what they have to offer. He talked about how I would be a great fit and how it all happens for a reason, with me giving up and they are still looking for me and recruiting me. “
Along with Woodley, the South Carolina autograph class also includes shipowners Jacobi Wright (Fort Mill, SC / Legacy Early College) and shooting guard Devin Carter (Miami, Fla./Brewster Academy). Carlous Williams (Gulf Port, Miss./Harrison Central) is committed and will sign in April.