South Carolina Bolsters Frontcourt with Addition of Boston College Transfer Elijah Strong
South Carolina men’s basketball continues to build momentum under head coach Lamont Paris, and the latest addition to the roster is another step in the right direction. On Sunday, the Gamecocks received a commitment from Boston College transfer Elijah Strong, a 6-foot-8 forward with a versatile skill set and plenty of upside. As South Carolina looks to build on a strong 2024-25 season, Strong’s arrival signals a continued commitment to player development, depth, and competitive aspirations in the Southeastern Conference.
Elijah Strong brings a unique combination of strength, touch, and shooting ability to Columbia. A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Strong appeared in 17 games for Boston College during his freshman season, averaging just under 7 minutes per contest. He contributed 2.4 points and 1.4 rebounds per game, showing flashes of the potential that made him a sought-after high school recruit in the class of 2023. Though his role with the Eagles was limited, his transfer to South Carolina offers a fresh opportunity to grow within a program that has proven its ability to develop talent.
Coming out of Myers Park High School, Strong was rated as a three-star prospect by multiple recruiting services. He helped lead a talented Myers Park squad to a North Carolina state championship in 2023 and earned a reputation as a stretch four with excellent shooting touch and rebounding instincts. His high school film showcases a player comfortable shooting from beyond the arc, attacking closeouts, and finishing through contact—a skill set that fits seamlessly with the modern college game.
For South Carolina, the addition of Strong strengthens a frontcourt that already includes promising contributors but needs continued depth to compete in the rugged SEC. The league is known for its physical play, elite big men, and grueling pace, making the need for capable forwards especially pressing. Strong’s size and shooting potential could make him a matchup problem for opposing defenses. If he continues to develop his frame and adapt to the college game’s speed, he could emerge as a steady rotation piece for the Gamecocks as early as the 2025-26 season.
While Strong’s stats at Boston College may not leap off the page, context is key. The Eagles’ roster featured several veteran frontcourt players, and breaking into that rotation as a freshman was always going to be a tall task. With limited opportunities, Strong still managed to show promise in short spurts. His best performance came against Lehigh, when he tallied 11 points and four rebounds in just 17 minutes. He also contributed valuable minutes in ACC play, showing effort on the boards and an understanding of defensive positioning.
At South Carolina, Strong will have the benefit of a different system, one that encourages ball movement, spacing, and shot-making from multiple positions. Lamont Paris’ offense isn’t reliant on isolation basketball or low-post play—it thrives when players can stretch the floor, make reads, and hit open looks. Strong’s high school profile suggests he can fit into this mold, and the coaching staff’s reputation for player development will give him the tools he needs to take the next step.
Paris has already proven his ability to bring out the best in transfers. Players like Meechie Johnson, Josh Gray, and B.J. Mack came to Columbia from other programs and carved out significant roles, helping to elevate South Carolina back into national relevance. The Gamecocks’ 2024-25 campaign saw them finish with a 27-8 record and a second-place finish in the SEC, a testament to how far the program has come under Paris. That success on the court has made Columbia a more attractive destination for transfers looking for a fresh start.
The addition of Strong also adds another layer to the Gamecocks’ recruiting strategy. In an era when the transfer portal dominates offseason headlines, landing underclassmen with multiple years of eligibility has become increasingly valuable. Strong has three years of eligibility remaining, giving the coaching staff ample time to mold him into a significant contributor. His commitment shows South Carolina isn’t just chasing quick fixes but investing in players with long-term potential.
Moreover, Strong’s commitment helps continue a pipeline from the Carolinas into the South Carolina program. The Gamecocks have long sought to tap into regional talent pools, especially in North Carolina, where high school basketball is among the strongest in the country. By landing a Charlotte native with pedigree and upside, Paris and his staff are reinforcing their presence in a vital recruiting area.
Strong’s versatility is another trait that should excite South Carolina fans. While he’s naturally a power forward, he has the agility to defend multiple positions and the skill to play in small-ball lineups. His outside shooting, if consistent, can create space for guards to penetrate, while his rebounding ability will be key to finishing possessions on the defensive end. In today’s college basketball landscape, where hybrid forwards are increasingly valuable, Strong fits the bill as a modern, adaptable player.
Off the court, Strong is known for his work ethic and team-first mentality. Those who have coached him speak highly of his attitude, resilience, and willingness to learn—qualities that often translate to success at the next level. Joining a program that values culture and continuity as much as South Carolina does will only enhance his development.
As the Gamecocks prepare for the 2025-26 season, there’s plenty of reason for optimism. The program is on solid footing, with a clear identity, a strong returning core, and a staff that has earned the trust of its players. With Strong in the fold, South Carolina adds another promising piece to its puzzle. While it may take time for him to carve out a significant role, his presence adds both depth and long-term potential to a roster that aims to stay competitive in the upper tier of the SEC.
It’s also worth considering the broader implications of the move. Strong’s transfer underscores how programs like South Carolina—ones with recent success but not traditionally viewed as “blue bloods”—can still attract talent with high ceilings. It reflects the power of player development and culture in a time when instant impact is often prioritized. For a player like Strong, the path to success may not be immediate, but with patience, coaching, and opportunity, he has the tools to make a real impact.
Looking ahead, the coaching staff will focus on integrating Strong into the team’s offseason training and summer workouts. These months will be crucial for establishing chemistry, refining his skills, and helping him adapt to the expectations of the program. While it remains to be seen how quickly he’ll crack the rotation, his presence will certainly raise the level of competition in practice and provide valuable depth throughout the season.
Fans should temper expectations early on but remain excited about what Strong can become. He’s not a finished product, but few first-year transfers are. What he brings to the table—size, shooting, rebounding, and potential—is exactly what successful teams use to maintain competitiveness over the long haul. And if his development mirrors that of other recent South Carolina transfers, there’s no reason to doubt he could blossom into a key contributor in the years to come.
In a league as unforgiving as the SEC, having players who can grow within a system is a luxury. Elijah Strong’s journey from Myers Park to Boston College and now to South Carolina is far from over. But this next chapter offers the kind of environment where he can thrive—one built on opportunity, structure, and belief. For South Carolina, it’s another smart move in a string of them. And for Strong, it’s a chance to redefine his trajectory and leave his mark in garnet and black.
