South Carolina women’s basketball 2027 recruiting official visits are beginning to take shape as two of the nation’s top prospects have officially scheduled trips to Columbia, giving head coach Dawn Staley another opportunity to strengthen an already elite recruiting class.
The Gamecocks are set to welcome standout point guard Jezelle “GG” Banks and versatile wing Jordyn Palmer, two of the highest-ranked players in the 2027 class, during the upcoming recruiting cycle. Their visits underscore South Carolina’s continued pursuit of the nation’s premier talent as the program looks to remain among the country’s elite.
Elite Point Guard Jezelle “GG” Banks Plans South Carolina Visit
Banks enters the recruiting process as one of the most sought-after prospects in the nation. Ranked as the No. 2 point guard and No. 4 overall player in the 2027 class, she has quickly become a household name among college basketball recruiters.
Her stock continued to rise during WNBA All-Star Weekend, where she competed in the prestigious Shooting Stars event. Under the bright lights and with fans roaring throughout the arena, Banks delivered one of the night’s biggest moments by knocking down the game-winning shot for Team Washington, showcasing the poise and confidence that have made her one of the country’s premier young guards.
South Carolina has prioritized Banks for quite some time, with the Gamecocks appearing to place greater emphasis on her recruitment than several other highly ranked guards in the class.
Banks confirmed that South Carolina is among four schools receiving official visits, alongside LSU, Texas, and Ohio State.
Speaking about the Gamecocks, Banks praised both the program and its culture.
“I feel as though I definitely want to play in the SEC in the top colleges. I feel like South Carolina is definitely another fit for me. They play fast. Coach Dawn Staley is an awesome coach, she has a great coaching staff and the same family environment. She’s close to her players. She’s very genuine, and I’m excited for that visit as well.”
Although specific dates have not yet been announced, South Carolina has firmly positioned itself among the leading contenders in her recruitment.
Jordyn Palmer Brings Versatility to the Recruiting Board
Joining Banks on the list of official visitors is Jordyn Palmer, another elite prospect ranked No. 5 nationally in the 2027 class.
Palmer has enjoyed an outstanding summer on the international stage. Representing USA Basketball at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup, she earned tournament MVP honors after helping the Americans capture the gold medal.
Her impressive tournament averages included:
- 18.8 points per game
- 7.4 rebounds per game
- 4.2 steals per game
Palmer’s physical style, relentless rebounding, and defensive intensity make her one of the most versatile players in the class. While naturally capable of playing on the wing, her strength allows her to defend multiple positions and even slide into a small-ball power forward role when needed.
She has already confirmed official visits to South Carolina and Ohio State in September, while UCLA, Maryland, and Penn State remain possible additions to her schedule.
Palmer explained that she wants to experience the South Carolina program firsthand before making any decisions.
“I just think they’re a great school. Watching them on TV, they seem like a good program, and I’m trying to go on campus to see if it feels right to me. Obviously, meeting all the coaching staff and everything.”
Why These Visits Matter for Dawn Staley
Official visits often represent one of the most important stages in the recruiting process, allowing prospects to experience campus life, meet current players, and spend extended time with the coaching staff.
For South Carolina, landing visits from both Banks and Palmer is another indication that the Gamecocks remain one of the nation’s premier destinations for elite recruits.
Under Dawn Staley, South Carolina has consistently developed WNBA-caliber talent while competing for SEC championships and national titles. That reputation continues to resonate with the country’s top high school players, many of whom value the program’s player development, competitive culture, and family atmosphere.
Banks specifically highlighted the fast-paced playing style and close relationships between Staley and her players, while Palmer emphasized her desire to see whether the campus environment matches the program’s national reputation.
Busy Summer Continues for Both Prospects
Before making their official visits, Banks and Palmer will continue competing against many of the nation’s best young players at the Nike EYBL event in Chicago during the July evaluation period.
The tournament provides another opportunity for college coaches to evaluate both prospects before welcoming them to campus later this year.
With two top-five recruits now scheduled to visit Columbia, South Carolina has positioned itself squarely in the race for another elite recruiting haul. As the recruiting calendar progresses, the Gamecocks will look to turn strong relationships and campus experiences into future commitments, further reinforcing their place among college basketball’s powerhouse programs.
South Carolina women’s basketball 2027 recruiting official visits will be closely watched throughout the fall, as the Gamecocks continue pursuing two of the nation’s brightest young stars.
