In a stunning turn of events on the college basketball recruiting trail, **McDonald’s All-American forward Elijah Moore**, who previously decommitted from national powerhouse **UConn**, has officially signed with the **South Carolina Gamecocks**. The commitment marks a monumental recruiting win for head coach **Lamont Paris**, signaling South Carolina’s emergence as a serious player on the national stage.
Moore, a 6-foot-5, 185-pound shooting guard out of the Bronx, New York, had been one of the crown jewels of UConn’s 2024 recruiting class before he reopened his recruitment earlier this spring. The decommitment shocked many around the country, especially after Moore’s dominant senior season at Cardinal Hayes High School, where he averaged **22.8 points**, **6.5 rebounds**, and **4.3 assists** per game. His athleticism, scoring touch, and ability to create his own shot made him one of the top perimeter players in the country.
Ranked as a top-30 national recruit and a McDonald’s All-American, Moore had no shortage of suitors once he hit the open market. Programs such as Kansas, Alabama, Arkansas, and Michigan State all made contact, but it was South Carolina’s persistence, player-first approach, and vision for Moore’s immediate impact that won out.
“I took my time with this decision,” Moore said in a statement on social media. “I wanted a place that felt like home, where I could grow as a player and a person. Coach Paris and his staff showed me from day one that I was a priority. I’m excited to be a Gamecock and help build something special.”
For South Carolina, this is not just a recruiting win — it’s a statement. The Gamecocks are coming off a surprisingly strong season under Paris and are looking to sustain momentum heading into 2024–25. Adding Moore to the roster immediately elevates the team’s talent ceiling and adds a dynamic scorer who can take over games.
“Elijah is a game-changer,” said Coach Lamont Paris. “He’s an elite competitor, a skilled scorer, and someone who brings energy every time he steps on the court. We’re thrilled to welcome him to Columbia and know our fans are going to love watching him play.”
Moore is expected to slot into a key role from day one, with the potential to be the team’s leading scorer as a freshman. His ability to play on or off the ball, coupled with his defensive tenacity, gives South Carolina a versatile weapon in a loaded SEC.
The commitment also represents a symbolic shift for the Gamecocks, who have struggled in recent years to consistently land top-tier talent. With Moore’s signature, the program has proven it can compete on the recruiting trail with college basketball’s blue bloods.
As the Gamecocks gear up for a season filled with high expectations, Elijah Moore’s arrival brings new energy, elite talent, and the promise of something big brewing in Columbia.