New Gamecocks assistant working to build bond with Charlotte 7-footer

Seven-foot center Jonas Aidoo of Charlotte has been impressive on the summer circuit, and as a result his offer list now includes a number of major programs like South Carolina and Clemson. Rutgers was his most recent offer, and he also has Marquette, Alabama, Miami, VCU, Wichita State, Houston, Providence, Virginia Tech and Appalachian State on his offer sheet. The Gamecocks, led by assistant coach Will Bailey, have taken a particularly strong liking to Aidoo, and the relationship is continuing to grow.

“They check up on me. We had a tournament this past weekend and they were just checking up to see how I did and stuff like that,” Aidoo said. “And they were asking how school was since I moved in Sunday. Everything is pretty cool. He really wants me to come on a visit, or if I’m around the area just stop by the campus.”

Aidoo said he also hears from head coach Frank Martin, so there seems to be some sincere interest coming from the Gamecocks’ side.

“Everything is good with them,” Aidoo said. “Everything is kind of neutral right now to be honest. No one has really stuck out. I haven’t really heard from Clemson lately to be honest. I would hope they are still interested since they offered me. I can’t even tell you the last time I heard from them.”

He said he is hearing a lot from Marquette, Houston, Providence, Pitt and Miami along with the Gamecocks. And Aidoo is in no rush to get to a decision.

“Just playing in as many tournaments as I can and just really working at Liberty Heights to develop my strength and my game,” Aidoo said.

Aidoo played for Voyager Academy in Durham the past two seasons. He originally was in the 2020 class but reclassified for 2021 and transferred to Liberty Heights Athletic Institute in Charlotte.

This story was originally published August 19, 2020 at 6:30 PM.