Big official visits coming up for Frank Martin, Gamecocks

Frank Martin and the South Carolina Gamecocks this weekend will host the state’s tallest basketball prospect on an official visit in 7-foot-1 Jason Cudd of Socastee High.

Cudd has also set an official visit to East Carolina for Oct. 1 and is also looking at Tulane.

The next weekend the Gamecocks will have on campus a prospect who would be one of the state’s top players this season if he had stayed at Irmo High. Devontae Shuler, however, is going into his second season at Oak Hill Academy, Va., instead of his senior season with the Yellow Jackets.

The 6-foot-3 Shuler will take official visits to USC, Oklahoma State, Western Kentucky and Ole Miss, according to his coach Steve Smith. The other dates have not been set. Smith said the Gamecocks should have a good opportunity to keep Shuler close to home.

“He went home for about four week after summer school and he visited their campus several times and played pick-up with their players,” Smith said. “I think he has a very good relationship with their staff, especially with coach Martin.”

Martin will be at Oak Hill on Wednesday to meet with Shuler. Smith believes Shuler has the skills and temperament to fit right in with Martin.

“He’s a very good defender and offensively he’s come on,” Smith said. “His shot is more consistent and he scores at the rim. He’s advanced his game on offense.”

Smith expects Shuler to be a November signee.