Agot Makeer, one of the most promising prospects in women’s basketball, has committed to play for the South Carolina Gamecocks, reaffirming the program’s standing as a powerhouse. Makeer, ranked No. 4 by ESPN for the Class of 2025, made her decision public on Saturday, choosing South Carolina over other elite programs including UConn and Michigan State.
The 6-foot-1 wing from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, currently plays at Montverde Academy in Florida. She had previously played at Crestwood Prep and exploded onto the recruiting scene after her outstanding junior year, where she averaged 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
Upon announcing her commitment, Makeer stated, "I know my goals and who I want to be in the future and I personally feel like South Carolina will get me there." She praised the relationships she built with head coach Dawn Staley and her staff, emphasizing their genuine involvement from the very start of her recruitment. Makeer noted, "The conversations and interactions I've had with Coach Staley and the coaching staff have been genuine from the very beginning... Coach Dawn attended every single part of my official visit and was in the lead of a lot of my recruitment."
Makeer’s commitment marks just the second addition to the Gamecocks’ 2025 recruiting class, which already includes the 22nd-ranked player, Ayla McDowell from Texas. McDowell had previously signed with South Carolina and was also named to the 2025 McDonald’s All-American team.
Coach Dawn Staley, who has led the Gamecocks to national prominence, expressed her excitement on social media just before Makeer’s announcement, cryptically stating, "A birdie just flew in the nest!" referring to the significant recruitment news. This signifies Staley's successful approach to maintaining her program's elite status within women’s college basketball.
Makeer’s recruitment was hotly contested and included other storied programs such as Duke, Kentucky, and North Carolina, showcasing her status as one of the top talents. She attributed her selection of South Carolina to the school's commitment to supporting Black women and the opportunities available within their women’s basketball program, echoing sentiments shared by many aspiring athletes seeking environments where they feel understood and valued.
During her time with Montverde Academy, Makeer has showcased her versatility on the court. While her stats for the current season reflect only 10 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, this follows her recovery from injury, and she is expected to make a significant impact as the team heads toward postseason tournaments. Montverde head coach Matt Shewmake commented on her learning attitude, 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." He added, "Couple her length and athletic gifts, and it makes her one of the most dynamic players in our game."
Makeer’s accolades include not only her high school performance but also being part of the silver medal-winning Canadian team at the 2024 FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup, where she averaged 17.7 points, 7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. This international experience has contributed to her growth as both a player and teammate.
Staley and the Gamecocks are currently positioned at No. 6 on the AP poll and are the defending women’s national champions, with expectations set high for another successful title run. The team is projected as the No. 1 seed as they approach the conference tournaments with the regular season culminating on Sunday, when they host the No. 15 Kentucky Wildcats.
Makeer’s choice to attend South Carolina not only adds depth to the roster but also signals the continuous strength of the Gamecocks’ recruiting capabilities. Staley's ability to attract top-tier talent has repeatedly demonstrated the allure of their program across the nation.
Looking forward, as South Carolina prepares to say goodbye to several key players at the end of the current season, including Sakima Walker, Sania Feagin, Te-Hina Paopao, and Bree Hall, Makeer's arrival could be pivotal as she brings along her competitive edge and physicality.
Her commitment continues the trend of South Carolina’s ability to develop elite talent and solidify its ranking among NCAA women’s basketball elite. With other recruits like the top-ranked Aaliyah Chavez still uncommitted and considering the Gamecocks as one of her finalists, South Carolina’s future looks exceptionally bright.
Agot Makeer’s decision to join the South Carolina Gamecocks is more than just another commitment. It exemplifies how the players' choices reflect their aspirations, the environment they seek, and the dream of becoming part of something larger than themselves, echoing the urgency and optimism of the sport’s growing prominence.