Philadelphia guard previews official visit with Gamecocks

South Carolina is going up against several traditional basketball powers but will get the chance to impress David Beatty of Philadelphia when he and his mom come in for an official visit this Thursday through Saturday.

The 6-foot-3 guard has taken an official visit to Georgetown and is scheduled to visit Indiana Nov. 4. He also has Connecticut, Maryland Texas Tech, Michigan, Michigan State, New Mexico State, Virginia and Syracuse on his list. But he likes Frank Martin and is interested in what the Gamecocks have to show him.

“Last year was pretty successful. I think they had their best record last year,” Beatty said. “I know that Frank Martin is a great coach. He’s pretty loud and pretty animated. He’s a really cool guy and always wants best for his guys. I know they have other good coaches and really care for their players, not so much about basketball but about becoming better men and being a better person. I just know it’s a great university.”

Beatty averaged over 21 points per game last season and views himself as a scorer first. He sees a good fit in Martin’s offensive scheme.

“From what I’ve seen they let their guards go and make plays for the team and let them do what they have to do to make something happen,” Beatty said. “That kind of fits my game. I’m just a playmaker with the ball in my hands or when I’m on the court I’m going to make something happen.”

In looking at USC, Beatty realizes it’s an SEC school where football is king and the basketball program is trying to carve out its niche. But in his mind, that scenario is no big deal.

“I think wherever I go I’m going to make a big impact on the basketball program by any means, so that really doesn’t matter to me,” he said. “As long as it is the right situation for me and my family, that’s all I’m looking at.”

Beatty has an aunt and cousins who live in South Carolina, and he also is friends with Gamecock freshman Sedee Keita. He said the Gamecocks have been recruiting him since last summer. USC coaches have up to see him twice in the last month.

This story was originally published October 26, 2016 at 4:55 PM with the headline "Philadelphia guard previews official visit with Gamecocks."