On ‘South Carolina Sideline’, Alex English discusses the Gamecock legacy and planned charitable events.

On a warm evening beneath the soft glow of studio lights, basketball legend Alex English took his seat across from the host of South Carolina Sideline, ready to engage in a conversation that would reach far beyond the bounds of the hardwood. English, an icon in the NBA and one of the most beloved sports figures ever to come out of the Palmetto State, was not just there to reminisce about past glories. He was on a mission—one rooted in legacy, community, and the unwavering pride he holds for his alma mater, the University of South Carolina. As cameras rolled and the opening theme faded, English began to tell a story that interwove athletic triumph with humanitarian purpose, illuminating what it truly means to be a Gamecock.

Alex English, the graceful small forward who played his college ball in Columbia before dazzling the NBA with his smooth scoring and effortless style, has long served as an ambassador for South Carolina athletics. But as he shared with viewers that evening, his connection to the Gamecock legacy is not merely one of talent and fame. It’s one of responsibility. “Being a Gamecock means being part of something bigger than yourself,” he said. “It’s a tradition of excellence, but also of giving back. We carry our community on our shoulders.”

During the program, English reflected on his formative years at the University of South Carolina, a time he described as “pivotal” in shaping both the athlete and man he would become. He arrived on campus in the early 1970s, a shy but determined teenager from Columbia, just minutes away from where the Gamecocks play. He spoke about the mentors who molded him, the teammates who pushed him, and the fans whose unwavering support gave him a sense of belonging that still resonates decades later.

He recounted moments that forged his identity—not just as a scorer, but as a thinker and leader. One such memory included an intense rivalry game that tested his resilience, both physically and mentally. “I remember feeling the weight of every possession,” he recalled. “But even more than that, I remember how the community rallied around us. Winning was about more than basketball. It was about making South Carolinians proud.”

That same pride has become a cornerstone of English’s post-playing career, especially as he continues to involve himself in initiatives designed to uplift the next generation. He spoke passionately about planned charitable events that aim to bridge the gap between sports, education, and community development. Among these is a scholarship fund he’s helping launch in partnership with the University of South Carolina’s athletic department, targeting underserved high school students with aspirations both on and off the field.

“Education gave me a platform,” English explained. “Without South Carolina, there is no NBA career. There is no Hall of Fame. So I want to pay that forward. I want to make sure young people today get the same opportunities that changed my life.”

Another cornerstone of his charitable vision involves health and wellness, especially within South Carolina’s inner-city communities. English is working closely with local health organizations to organize free youth clinics that emphasize physical activity, nutrition, and mental health awareness. He pointed out the critical need for access and equity, citing statistics about childhood obesity and youth depression in underserved areas. “We have to think holistically about our young people,” he said. “It’s not enough to put a basketball in their hands. We have to nourish their minds and their bodies.”

To that end, he’s also leveraging his influence to attract support from fellow athletes and alumni. One upcoming event, a celebrity charity weekend planned for later this year in Columbia, will bring together former Gamecock athletes, entertainers, and civic leaders for a series of events that include a benefit game, community service projects, and a gala fundraiser. English teased a few of the names expected to appear—many of them household names with deep Carolina ties—and noted the power of collective action. “When we come together, we remind the world just how strong the Gamecock family really is.”

But the conversation wasn’t limited to charitable works. English also used the platform to reflect on the changing landscape of college athletics, particularly the evolution of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights and the transfer portal. While some former players have expressed concern about the shift in culture, English offered a more nuanced perspective. “It’s a new era, and that’s okay,” he said. “Young athletes deserve to have a voice and to benefit from their hard work. But with that comes responsibility. That’s where mentors, like former players and coaches, need to step in and guide them.”

He highlighted the importance of the university staying connected with its alumni network, using it as a resource not just for fundraising, but for mentorship and real-life advice. English has personally met with several Gamecock student-athletes in recent months, offering insights on everything from financial literacy to media presence. “There’s so much more to being a student-athlete today,” he noted. “We’ve got to equip them for life beyond the game.”

As the segment continued, the conversation turned to the broader impact of sports on society. English emphasized how athletes can be powerful vehicles for social change, particularly when grounded in a strong academic and ethical foundation. “Look at what we’ve seen over the past few years—players speaking out on social justice, on education, on voting rights. This isn’t just a trend. It’s a movement, and South Carolina athletes should be right there, leading it.”

He recounted a recent visit to a Columbia middle school where he spent time reading to students, talking about goal setting, and even playing a little basketball in the gym. “The smiles on their faces, the light in their eyes—it reminded me of what this is all about. If I can walk into a room and inspire just one kid to dream a little bigger, then I’ve done my job.”

The interview wrapped up with a look ahead. English shared his hopes for the University of South Carolina’s athletic future, praising recent progress across various programs, from football to women’s basketball. He reserved particular admiration for head coaches who emphasize character as much as performance, calling them “builders of legacy.” “Wins and losses come and go,” he said. “But what lasts is the culture you create. Are you developing good athletes? Or are you developing great people?”

When asked what the Gamecock legacy means to him, English paused before answering. It was a reflective silence, full of decades of memories and meaning. “It means family,” he finally said. “It means you fight for something greater than yourself. It means you give back. You show up. Whether you’re in the gym, the classroom, or the community—you show up. That’s what being a Gamecock is all about.”

As the lights dimmed and the credits rolled, the impression left by Alex English lingered. Here was a man who had conquered the world of professional basketball, who had his jersey raised to the rafters and his name etched in record books, yet who remained grounded in the soil that first nurtured his dreams. He carried the Gamecock banner not as a relic of past victories, but as a living commitment to future possibilities.

His upcoming charitable events, his voice of wisdom on current issues, and his dedication to inspiring the next generation all serve as testimony to the enduring strength of the Gamecock legacy. In Alex English, the University of South Carolina has more than a Hall of Fame alumnus. It has a standard-bearer, a storyteller, and a servant leader. His story, shared on South Carolina Sideline, is ultimately a reminder that the most powerful legacies are not those built with applause, but those built with purpose.