Agot Makeer, recognized as one of the top recruits for the class of 2025, made waves on Saturday, March 1, 2025, when she announced her commitment to the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team. The talented 6-foot-1 combo guard from Toronto chose South Carolina over notable rivals UConn and Michigan State, solidifying her place as the No. 4-ranked prospect according to ESPN.
During her announcement, Makeer highlighted the rigorous recruiting efforts from the Gamecocks, saying, "The effort [South Carolina] put in to recruiting me and during my visit was amazing. I just felt like I fit in there the best. It was great." Her decision came after what she described as an "extremely hard" recruitment process, which had seen her postpone her commitment date multiple times. Eventually, the impression South Carolina left on her became clear. "Towards the end, it came down to no one being able to beat South Carolina," Makeer reflected. "There was a lot of back-and-forth between my top schools, and I respect all of them so much. But I just couldn't get South Carolina out of my head."
A pivotal aspect of her commitment was the genuine connection she felt with the coaching staff, particularly with head coach Dawn Staley and assistant coach Winston Gandy. Makeer appreciated their involvement throughout her recruitment, stating, "It was both [assistant coach Winston Gandy and head coach Dawn Staley]. That's what I appreciated a lot with them. They said they think I can thrive here and all the things [Staley] said were true. I heard the truth out of her mouth. It's important to hear the truth from the head coach—even if it's not positive."
Makeer's recent official visit to South Carolina was significant for her decision. She witnessed the retirement of Aja Wilson's jersey before the Gamecocks played Auburn, and she was struck by the atmosphere. "I was there when Aja Wilson got her jersey retired. The atmosphere was so great... They play fast, and they don't run a lot of plays. They try and hoop. That's really appealing to me," she noted.
The addition of Makeer brings strong momentum to the Gamecocks' 2025 recruiting class, previously featuring another five-star recruit, Ayla McDowell, who is currently ranked No. 22. Makeer stated they were familiar with one another, adding, "I met Ayla this summer. After my visit, I texted her: 'Hey, I just had a great visit at South Carolina'--before she even committed. Right away I saw she's cool. We've been talking since. Even when I wasn't committed, I was like: 'Dang, we can be teammates one day,' and now we are."
Brandon Clay, the Women’s Basketball Director of Scouting at 247Sports, also had high praise for Makeer. He noted her physicality and versatility, mentioning her ability to play different positions, which is rare among recruits of her caliber. After transferring to Montverde Academy for her senior year, Makeer has missed some time due to injury but has proven herself with averages of 10 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. Her recruitment gained momentum following her stellar junior season at Crestwood Prep and her participation with the Canadian team during the 2024 FIBA U17 Women's World Cup, where she averaged 17.7 points, 7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
Montverde coach Matt Shewmake commented on her eagerness to learn, stating, "Agot is an eager learner. Her curiosity about the game and willingness to be coachable shows up in her incredible IQ and instinctual play. Coupled with her length and athletic gifts, it makes her one of the most dynamic players in our game."
South Carolina's program, under the leadership of current head coach Dawn Staley, is riding high as the defending women's national champion and is poised for another strong showing as they compete for the SEC Regular Season Title. Makeer's commitment enhances the team's depth, even as they prepare for the loss of senior Te-Hina Paopao. Remedies offering such skills as Makeer’s will be pivotal for the Gamecocks next season, especially as they look to keep their status as perennial contenders.
Looking forward, both Makeer and the Gamecocks are set for exciting times. Makeer is ready to face the challenges and work hard to contribute to the Gamecocks' future success. She expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "I expect a competitive environment in every aspect of my life. I'm going to a school that's a front-runner to win back-to-back national championships. Everything I get will be earned, and I'm excited to test who I am. I don't expect it to be easy, but I do expect I will be challenged in a positive learning environment." The Gamecocks continue to prove their dominance on the recruiting trail, and with players like Agot Makeer committed to joining the ranks, the future looks incredibly bright for this powerhouse program.