He’s Back: Electrifying Guard KJ Scobey Set to Return to South Carolina Following a Promising and Impactful Freshman Season

South Carolina basketball fans can breathe a sigh of relief — and maybe even allow themselves a moment of celebration. The electric freshman sensation KJ Scobey is officially coming back to Columbia for his sophomore campaign, setting the stage for what could be a breakout season not just for Scobey, but for the Gamecocks program as a whole.

In an era where college basketball’s transfer portal seems to dominate offseason storylines, Scobey’s decision to stay loyal to the program that believed in him first is both refreshing and monumental. After a freshman year that saw him emerge as one of the most dynamic young guards in the SEC, his return is a major win for head coach Lamont Paris and a clear signal that South Carolina is building something real — and sustainable.

Scobey averaged 11.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in his debut season, while shooting 42 percent from the field and 37 percent from beyond the arc. He started 21 games and played in all 33, quickly establishing himself as one of the team’s most reliable two-way contributors. His scoring touch, high basketball IQ, and competitive edge made him not just a fan favorite, but a key piece of the Gamecocks’ rotation as they finished 23-10 and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

What stood out most about Scobey, however, wasn’t his box score stats — it was how he rose to the moment. South Carolina leaned on him late in several high-stakes games, and time and again, he delivered. His composure, especially in crunch time, was rare for a freshman. From the clutch go-ahead three-pointer at Arkansas to his 19-point performance in the SEC quarterfinals, Scobey consistently showed the poise and presence of a veteran guard. That kind of demeanor can’t be taught. It’s innate — and it’s what makes his return so impactful.

“South Carolina gave me a chance when not everyone believed in me,” Scobey said in a social media video announcing his return. “This is home. We’re not done yet. Let’s run it back.”

For Paris, who just wrapped up his second full season in Columbia, retaining Scobey is not only a vote of confidence but a reflection of the culture he’s building. In the past, South Carolina often struggled to retain emerging talent, with players either testing professional waters too early or transferring to perceived higher-profile programs. But the Gamecocks have flipped the script. Now, they’re a destination worth staying for — a team with identity, purpose, and potential.

Scobey is at the center of that transformation. His decision to return for a second year means Paris won’t have to replace his most promising backcourt piece and instead can build around his experience. Even more crucially, it sets a tone of stability in an otherwise volatile college basketball ecosystem.

The sophomore leap in college basketball is often where stars are born. We’ve seen it time and again — freshmen who show flashes in year one come back hungrier, stronger, and sharper the following season. That’s exactly the kind of trajectory Scobey appears to be on. His off-the-dribble scoring, court vision, and perimeter defense all improved as the year progressed. With a full offseason of strength and conditioning under his belt and a deeper understanding of the college game, Scobey is poised to elevate his game to the next level.

NBA scouts have already taken notice. Some projected him as a second-round flier had he entered the 2025 NBA Draft. But Scobey isn’t in a rush. His return shows he values growth over instant gratification — a mentality that bodes well for both his future and South Carolina’s success.

From a roster standpoint, Scobey’s return gives Paris flexibility. With senior guard Meechie Johnson departing, Scobey is expected to slide into an even more prominent role, likely taking on more ball-handling duties while still serving as a primary scoring threat. His ability to play both on and off the ball makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses and a dream for Paris in designing offensive sets.

His chemistry with fellow returners like Collin Murray-Boyles and Zachary Davis also shouldn’t be overlooked. The trio formed the young core of last year’s squad, and their shared experience could translate into one of the SEC’s most cohesive lineups. Add in a couple of promising incoming freshmen and a veteran transfer or two — a common offseason occurrence these days — and suddenly South Carolina looks like a legitimate threat to push even higher in the conference standings.

Still, for all the on-court advantages Scobey provides, his return carries emotional weight, too. In just one year, he’s become emblematic of the Gamecocks’ resurgence — gritty, hungry, and unafraid. Fans rallied around his energetic play style, his fiery competitiveness, and his visible passion for the program. He played every game like it mattered. Because to him, it did.

That kind of connection is rare. In today’s college basketball landscape, where rosters are often rebuilt from scratch year after year, Scobey represents continuity. He represents buy-in. He represents belief.

His story is also one of perseverance. A lightly recruited three-star prospect out of high school, Scobey arrived in Columbia with plenty to prove. He wasn’t hyped as a one-and-done, nor was he featured in early-season headlines. But he earned everything. By mid-January, he was on every opponent’s scouting report. By March, he was one of the most talked-about freshmen in the league.

Now, as he returns for his second act, expectations will be higher. The spotlight will be brighter. And Scobey wouldn’t want it any other way.

“I’ve never shied away from pressure,” he said during a post-practice interview this week. “I play this game because I love it. I’m trying to win championships. That’s the goal.”

With Scobey back in the fold, that goal is suddenly within reach. South Carolina has a centerpiece. A leader. A fighter. Someone who knows what it takes — and someone who’s not finished writing his story.

For the Gamecocks, Scobey’s return is more than just a roster boost. It’s a rallying cry. A signal that belief still matters. That loyalty isn’t dead. That, in Columbia, the foundation is strong and the future is bright.

This fall, when the lights come on at Colonial Life Arena and the student section erupts in chants of “S-C!” there will be one name they’ll shout just a little louder. One jersey that will fly off the racks. One player whose journey embodies everything South Carolina basketball hopes to be.

KJ Scobey is back. And so are the Gamecocks.