Dawn Staley adds a future superstar to her dynasty when the top American recruit formally declares her commitment to South Carolina Women’s Basketball over Nebraska and Kentucky.

In what is becoming a near-annual tradition in the world of women’s college basketball, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley has once again pulled off a major recruiting coup. The nation’s top-ranked high school prospect—Avery James, a 6-foot-1 combo guard from Dallas, Texas—formally announced her commitment to the South Carolina Gamecocks on Tuesday afternoon, choosing Staley’s powerhouse program over fellow finalists Nebraska and Kentucky.

The announcement came during a nationally televised press conference at her high school gym, where James thanked her family, coaches, and mentors before donning a Gamecock cap to cheers and applause. “I wanted to go somewhere I could be challenged, developed, and be a part of something bigger than myself,” James said. “South Carolina isn’t just a team—it’s a movement, and Coach Staley is someone I’ve looked up to since I picked up a basketball.”

The commitment marks yet another milestone in Staley’s continuing dominance on the recruiting trail and further cements South Carolina’s place at the epicenter of the sport. For the Gamecocks, the acquisition of James could signal the next chapter of sustained success, even after recent losses to the WNBA Draft.

James is widely regarded as the most complete player in the Class of 2025. She’s been the consensus No. 1 player according to ESPNW, ProspectsNation, and HoopGurlz. Her dazzling mix of perimeter shooting, defensive intensity, court vision, and athleticism has drawn comparisons to former South Carolina legend and WNBA Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston, albeit with a guard’s skillset.

“She’s like a mix of Caitlin Clark’s range and JuJu Watkins’ poise,” said a national recruiting analyst. “Avery James is going to be a game-changer at the next level and beyond.”

During her junior year at Prestonwood Christian Academy, James averaged 28.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 3.4 steals per game while leading her team to a Texas state championship. She was named Gatorade Player of the Year for Texas and is a finalist for the prestigious Naismith High School Trophy.

James also shone on the international stage, playing for Team USA in the FIBA U17 World Cup, where she averaged 16 points per game and was lauded for her leadership and maturity.

James’ commitment is not just a recruiting win—it’s a statement. Both Kentucky and Nebraska made aggressive pushes to sign her. Nebraska, under head coach Amy Williams, pitched a hometown feel and immediate playing time. Meanwhile, Kentucky leaned on its historic basketball culture and revamped coaching staff to woo James.

But in the end, none of it could match what Staley has built in Columbia. South Carolina’s program is now synonymous with development, visibility, and success. From All-Americans to WNBA lottery picks, the Gamecocks have become a factory for elite basketball talent.

“Coach Staley has been where I want to go,” James said. “She understands what it takes to get there and how to build strong women, not just great players.”

Staley, in turn, called James “one of the most complete prospects we’ve ever recruited.”

“Avery is humble, hungry, and has a champion’s heart,” Staley said in a press release. “She embodies everything we value at South Carolina—grit, excellence, and a commitment to team-first basketball. She’s going to fit right into our family.”

This latest commitment keeps South Carolina’s momentum rolling. The Gamecocks are fresh off a Final Four appearance and remain one of the sport’s most visible brands thanks to a blend of success, culture, and representation under Staley’s stewardship.

Even after losing stars like Kamilla Cardoso and Raven Johnson to the professional ranks, the Gamecocks haven’t missed a beat. The 2024 recruiting class, already ranked No. 2 nationally, includes multiple top-20 players. Adding James to the 2025 class makes that group an instant contender for the No. 1 spot.

“She’s not just a one-and-done-style player. Avery is the kind of kid who comes in, owns the culture, and becomes the heartbeat of your team,” said one assistant coach from an SEC rival. “This is scary for the rest of us.”

Much of South Carolina’s recruiting success can be traced back to the gravity of Staley herself. A Hall of Fame player, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and two-time national championship coach, Staley is a transcendent figure who commands respect across all corners of the basketball world.

More than just her résumé, though, it’s the relationships she builds with her players that has made Columbia a top destination.

“There’s something about the way Coach Staley connects with you,” said former star guard Zia Cooke. “She sees you—not just as an athlete, but as a person.”

James echoed that sentiment when explaining her decision. “It felt like home from the first visit. We didn’t just talk basketball. We talked about life, leadership, and being a Black woman in this world. That meant everything to me.”

James’ arrival in 2025 will come at a time when the Gamecocks are expected to have a mix of veterans and emerging stars. She is likely to start as a freshman and could play multiple positions in Staley’s fluid system.

“Coach doesn’t put anyone in a box,” James said. “She said she sees me as someone who can handle the ball, score from all three levels, and guard one through three. I’m ready for that.”

The Gamecocks already boast a strong backcourt pipeline, including recent additions Milaysia Fulwiley and Tessa Johnson, but James’ elite versatility sets her apart. Some analysts even believe she could be a national player of the year candidate by her sophomore season, assuming she adjusts to the speed of the college game quickly.

James’ decision also has broader implications. South Carolina securing the top player over two up-and-coming programs like Nebraska and Kentucky could influence how other elite recruits view their own decisions.

Already, 2025 five-star center Laila Johnson, who plays on the same AAU team as James, hinted she may also be leaning toward South Carolina. “I want to play with a winner,” Johnson recently told a recruiting reporter. “And Avery going there… that tells me something.”

James is also close with several other top-25 players from the 2025 class, and her influence could help the Gamecocks land a historic group.

“It’s not just about who you get,” said a national recruiting expert. “It’s about who they bring with them. Avery’s presence alone will attract others.”

While South Carolina continues to surge, the rest of the SEC isn’t standing still. LSU remains a major force under Kim Mulkey, and Tennessee has shown signs of revival under their new staff. But it’s clear that every other program is still chasing Staley.

“You have to recruit at a historic level just to compete with South Carolina,” said one SEC assistant. “They’re not just getting talent—they’re getting the right talent. That’s a dangerous combination.”

James’ decision to bypass Kentucky—traditionally a strong program—and Nebraska—an emerging dark horse—highlights how difficult it is to dethrone the Gamecocks in head-to-head battles.

With Avery James on board, South Carolina’s 2025 outlook becomes even more promising. She will arrive as a freshman ready to lead, likely slotting in as the team’s go-to scorer from Day One.

For Dawn Staley, the mission remains clear: sustain a culture of excellence, mentor elite young women, and keep South Carolina at the top of the women’s basketball world.

“This commitment is bigger than basketball,” Staley said. “It’s about continuing our legacy, investing in future leaders, and proving once again that South Carolina is the place where dreams come true.”

James’ commitment video concluded with a simple but powerful message: “I’m coming home to a dynasty—and I’m bringing my fire with me.”