Kaylor Buse, a 5‑9 point guard from West Linn High in Oregon, has emerged as one of the most talked‑about prospects in the 2027 women’s basketball class, drawing attention from five elite programs.
A Recruitment Story Unlike Any Other
She is currently weighing Washington, Oregon, Utah, TCU and the South Carolina Gamecocks, and has already taken official visits to Washington and TCU, with upcoming trips to Utah on September 11 and Oregon on September 18.
Buse’s timeline includes a delay in visiting South Carolina until October 3, a decision driven by a scheduled football game against Kentucky that will occupy the Gamecocks’ stadium.
What makes the delay palatable is the relationship she has built with head coach Dawn Staley, whose authentic communication style and clear vision have stood out among the many recruiting pitches she has received.
Staley’s approach of scheduling the final visit last has resonated with Buse, who values the coach’s transparency and the sense that South Carolina is making a genuine effort to earn her commitment.
Beyond the recruitment timeline, Buse brings a proven track record of success at the high school level, having led West Linn to its first Oregon state championship and earning first‑team all‑state honors as a sophomore and junior.
Her defensive prowess earned her the league Defensive Player of the Year award for three consecutive seasons, and last year she posted averages of 15.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.6 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.
Ranking services initially placed her at No. 77 on ESPN’s list, but after a series of strong performances she has risen to No. 52, reflecting the impact of late‑stage recruitment on player visibility.
South Carolina’s 2027 class also features Jezelle Banks, a point guard ranked second among her peers and fourth overall nationally, and Jordyn Palmer, the U18 AmeriCup MVP who is slated for official visits to South Carolina and Ohio State in September.
Both Banks and Palmer are expected to add depth to the Gamecocks’ backcourt, and their visits coincide with Buse’s own schedule, creating a competitive yet collaborative recruiting environment.
The convergence of these prospects illustrates how late recruitment can still yield high‑impact talent, especially when coaches like Staley leverage personal connections to keep a player engaged.