No. 1 American Recruit Amari Canion Officially Commits to South Carolina Women’s Basketball Over Finalists Nebraska and Kentucky

In a decision that electrified the college basketball world and solidified South Carolina’s recruiting dominance, Amari Canion — the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2025 class — officially announced her commitment to Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks on Wednesday. With Nebraska and Kentucky listed as finalists in her top three, Canion’s choice to wear garnet and black marks a monumental addition to a program already synonymous with excellence in women’s basketball.

Canion, a 6-foot-3 dynamic forward from Houston, Texas, is widely regarded as a generational talent. She has been the centerpiece of national recruiting conversations for more than two years thanks to her rare combination of length, agility, basketball IQ, and relentless motor. Drawing comparisons to former No. 1 picks and WNBA All-Stars, Canion was pursued by nearly every blue-blood program in the nation. Her final decision, however, was rooted in her admiration for the legacy and culture built by Coach Dawn Staley in Columbia.

“South Carolina just felt like home,” Canion said in a livestreamed announcement that drew tens of thousands of viewers. “From the moment I stepped on campus, I could feel the love and the standard. Coach Staley pushes her players, but she also supports them like family. That’s the kind of coach I want to play for, and that’s the kind of program I want to be a part of.”

The commitment is a massive recruiting win for the Gamecocks, who continue to stack elite talent even after dominating the past decade. South Carolina, already boasting multiple top-10 commitments for the 2025 class, now adds the most coveted player in the nation to a roster that remains among the most talented and deep in college basketball. With Canion’s arrival, the Gamecocks are not just reloading — they’re evolving.

What makes Canion so special goes beyond her impressive stats — which include a double-double average in points and rebounds and over 3 blocks per game as a high school senior. Her versatility is game-changing. She can defend all five positions, initiate offense off the dribble, and finish at the rim with either hand. Her basketball IQ allows her to anticipate plays several steps ahead, and her unselfishness makes her a dream teammate. College coaches have raved about her footwork, composure under pressure, and ability to turn momentum with hustle plays.

“She’s the kind of player who changes everything,” said ESPNW recruiting analyst Shane Williams. “She doesn’t just fit into systems — she elevates them. And at South Carolina, where excellence is the expectation, she’ll thrive.”

Canion’s decision carries added weight considering her other finalists. Kentucky, under new head coach Mark Pope, had made her recruitment a major priority as the program looked to establish a new identity in the SEC. Meanwhile, Nebraska’s surge under head coach Amy Williams and the school’s proximity to some of Canion’s extended family gave the Cornhuskers real momentum late in the process. But the draw of joining one of the nation’s premier women’s basketball programs, led by one of the most influential coaches in the sport, ultimately proved too strong to resist.

Dawn Staley’s reputation as a developer of talent, a players’ coach, and a champion of women’s empowerment was cited frequently throughout Canion’s recruiting journey. Canion’s high school coach, Alicia Harmon, emphasized the role that mentorship played in her decision.

“Amari’s not just a great player — she’s a thinker,” Harmon said. “She wanted to be somewhere where she’d grow as a person, not just as a basketball player. Coach Staley’s track record speaks for itself. She invests in her players on and off the court, and that really meant something to Amari.”

South Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class now ranks No. 1 nationally by a wide margin, and Canion is expected to be an instant-impact player. With current freshman sensation MiLaysia Fulwiley expected to return for her junior season, the Gamecocks could boast one of the most talented rosters in program history. The pairing of Fulwiley’s creative playmaking with Canion’s size and versatility opens up countless lineup possibilities and gives Staley a roster deep enough to contend not just for SEC titles, but for national championships for years to come.

The announcement also comes at a time when the national spotlight on women’s college basketball has never been brighter. With record viewership during the 2025 NCAA Tournament and the sport’s growing popularity through NIL deals and WNBA crossover interest, Canion’s decision adds even more momentum to the Gamecocks’ position as the face of the sport.

Her announcement was celebrated across social media, with former South Carolina stars and current WNBA players posting congratulatory messages. A’ja Wilson, widely considered the greatest Gamecock of all time, tweeted, “Let’s goooooo!! Welcome to the fam, Amari! Columbia is gonna love you. #Gamecocks.”

For Canion, the decision to commit early — rather than draw out the process through summer — came down to her desire to focus on development and leadership during her final year of high school.

“I didn’t want to drag it out,” she said. “I’ve found my home. Now it’s time to get to work and win a state title before I go help bring more banners to Columbia.”

Indeed, Canion is known as much for her work ethic as her athleticism. A student of the game who spends hours studying film, she’s frequently the first player in the gym and the last one to leave. Her discipline and hunger have made her a role model for younger players — especially girls of color — and her commitment to South Carolina only enhances her platform.

Off the court, Canion has been an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and equity in sports. She’s used her visibility to speak at middle schools and basketball camps about the importance of self-belief, discipline, and surrounding yourself with strong support systems. Her voice resonates beyond the basketball court, and it’s clear she’s preparing to lead both on and off it.

In many ways, her journey mirrors the ethos of South Carolina women’s basketball: relentless, resilient, and rooted in something bigger than the game. Her commitment represents more than just a five-star win for the Gamecocks — it’s a cultural fit between a generational player and a program built on purpose.

Now, with her future locked in, Canion can prepare for what’s next: one more year of high school domination, a summer of continued development with Team USA U18 hopefuls, and then a transition to college basketball’s brightest stage. Expectations will be sky-high, but Canion has never shied away from the spotlight.

“I’m ready for it,” she said with a smile. “Pressure builds diamonds. Let’s get to work.”

With her talent, mindset, and the backing of a program that knows how to win, Amari Canion’s story at South Carolina is just beginning — and the next chapter promises to be unforgettable.