South Carolina basketball big man entering the transfer portal
South Carolina basketball will be losing one of its players to the transfer portal.
Center Josh Gray is entering the transfer portal, a source with knowledge of the situation told The State.
Gray played two seasons at USC after transferring from LSU. This season, the 7-footer averaged 4.3 points and a team-high 6.3 rebounds in 32 games this season.
Gray’s numbers were better in Southeastern Conference play. He averaged 5.8 points and 7.9 rebounds in conference play in helping the Gamecocks to a 13-5 SEC record and a tie for second in the conference.
Gray had a double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds against Florida on Jan. 25.
Gray is the third USC player to enter the portal since the season ended. Guard Meechie Johnson has committed to Ohio State since going into the portal. Guard Ebrima Dibba also is in the portal and has yet to announce a new school.
Gray’s departure gives Gamecocks’ three scholarship spots for next season. South Carolina signed Lexington High standout Cam Scott on Wednesday.. Wisconsin transfer Connor Essegian visited South Carolina last weekend. Mount St. Mary’s Dakota Leffew will visit the Gamecocks this weekend and has USC in its top schools with Georgia, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Villanova, and Xavier.
The Gamecocks also are interested in Alabama forward Nick Pringle, who played at Whale Branch High in Seabrook, SC. Another in-state product Jordan Butler also is in the transfer portal. The Gamecocks recruited Butler out of Christ Church High School before committed to play at Missouri.
The Gamecocks are coming off a 26-8 record and first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 2017. USC finished ranked in the final Associated Press and USA Today Coaches Poll. The 25 regular-season wins were most in school history and 26 wins tied the team’s record set in 2017.
South Carolina roster tracker
- Confirmed returners: Jacobi Wright, guard; Myles Stute, guard; Zachary Davis, guard; Collin Murray-Boyles
- Expected returners: Austin Herro, guard; Eli Sparkman, guard; Morris Ugusuk, guard; Danny Grajzl, guard; Arden Conyers, guard; Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk, forward;
- Incoming freshmen: Trent Noah, guard; Okku Federiko, forward; Cam Scott, guard
- Leaving via transfer portal: Meechie Johnson, guard (Ohio State); Ebrima Dibba, guard; Josh Gray, forward
- Leaving/out of eligibility: Ta’Lon Cooper, guard; BJ Mack, forward; Stephen Clark, forward
This story was originally published April 20, 2024 at 12:55 PM.
