Trae Hannibal, South Carolina’s next guard, signs with Gamecocks
Over the last few months, Trae Hannibal watched as other players throughout the state announced their intentions to play college basketball outside the Palmetto State.
But the Hartsville senior remained firm in his commitment to play at South Carolina. On Thursday, Hannibal made it official as he signed his letter of intent at a ceremony at his high school.
”It was tough. Kids like going out of state and things like that,” Hannibal said. “They got to do what is best for them and I can’t be mad at them. But any chance I get to get one of my teammates or guys I played with, I will try to get them to play with me.”
Hannibal hoped to get Josiah James, who he played with during the summer on TMP Basketball, to commit to USC but James signed with Tennessee. Juwan Gary (Alabama) and DJ Burns (Tennessee) also went out of state.
Hannibal is one of two signees so far for the Gamecocks in the early period. Wildens Leveque signed with USC on Wednesday. There is a chance the Gamecocks get one more during this period.
Hannibal was offered in May and committed in August. A three-star prospect, according to 247 Sports, he averaged 16.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists this last season for Hartsville and was an all-state selection.
Hannibal grew up liking baseball more than basketball but that changed in high school when dedicated himself to playing basketball.
Hartsville coach Yusef English has watched Hannibal grow up and his game take off the last few years. English thinks his game and USC coach Frank Martin’s coaching style is a “perfect marriage.”
”Trae’s energy on defense is infectious and his ability to get downhill is something, that from sitting in on some of coach Martin’s practices, is something USC likes to do,” English said. “Plus, Trae likes a coach that holds him accountable. If you are going to be laid back and do what he does, you aren’t going to get the maximum out of him. And coach Martin isn’t going to ease up and be nice.”
English said Hannibal has worked hard on his outside shooting to complement his all-around game, and that was evident in Wednesday’s scrimmage against Lakewood.
English said the USC coaching staff did a great job of connecting with Hannibal, not only on the court but investing in the person as a whole.
”They contacted me every week, came to see me at school and supported me,” Hannibal said. “What else could you ask for? “For them to give me that attention and let me know what I needed to do when I come meant a lot.”
USC’s coaching staff and Gamecock fans will get plenty of chances to see Hannibal in the Midlands this year. Hannibal and his Hartsville teammates will be playing at the Bojangles’ Bash at Ridge View, Farm Bureau Classic at Lexington, Phenom Hoops event and Chick-fil-A Classic at Richland Northeast in December.
Hartsville also will play in the MLK Bash in January.
This story was originally published November 15, 2018 at 11:28 AM.