South Carolina’s men’s basketball program is set to embark on a two‑game summer league swing in the Bahamas, marking the team’s first visit to the islands since 2023 and tying the program’s record of 26 wins. The games will be played at the Baha Mar Convention Center in Nassau, where the squad will also call the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar its home base for the duration of the trip.
A Bahamian Summer Circuit
The schedule, running from August 7 through August 11, 2026, pits the Gamecocks against Victoria, a Canadian club, on August 8, and against the Bahamas National Team on August 10. Both contests will be streamed live on FloSports, while StatBroadcast will supply real‑time statistics to viewers and online audiences.
Twelve newcomers headline this year’s roster, including seven transfers who have entered the program through the portal. Among them are Kory Mincy, a Second Team All‑Atlantic 10 guard from George Mason, and Shane Blakeney, a Second Team All‑CA A forward who returns after three seasons abroad. Camden Heide, a Texas transfer with a dozen NCAA Tournament appearances, and Aleksas Bieliauskas, a Wisconsin big man, round out the incoming talent.
Returning lettermen provide a foundation for the new faces. Grant Polk, who logged 12.9 minutes per game last season and contributed 3.8 points, will be joined by a trio of international players: Mathias Alessanco, Juan Fernández of Spain’s Liga ACB, and Hugo López, who competed in Portugal’s Primera FEB. Their diverse backgrounds add depth and a global flair to the squad.
Freshmen Marcus Johnson and Ford Wilder will also feature prominently. Johnson, the Ohio Mr. Basketball honoree, arrives as a highly touted point guard, while Wilder, a native of South Carolina, brings local enthusiasm to the mix. Together with the transfers and returning veterans, the team blends experience, athleticism, and promise.
The trip represents the second consecutive summer in which the Gamecocks have welcomed twelve newcomers, underscoring a sustained effort to refresh the roster while maintaining competitiveness. With live stats, streaming coverage, and a vibrant Bahamian setting, the upcoming games promise to be a pivotal moment in the team’s preparation for the upcoming season.