Shane Blakeney, a 6‑foot‑6 wing celebrated for his tenacious defense, announced that he is pulling his name out of the NBA Draft and will join the University of South Carolina for the 2026‑27 campaign after a pre‑draft workout with the Dallas Mavericks.
The former Drexel standout concluded a redshirt junior season in which he averaged 14.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game, earning first‑team all‑CAA honors and defensive recognition.
Blakeney’s reputation as a strong, energetic and aggressive defender has already drawn comparisons to the type of perimeter stopper that South Carolina’s coaching staff has been seeking.
A Defensive Anchor for the Gamecocks
Coach Lamont Paris highlighted the player’s leaping ability and high motor, saying they fit perfectly with the team’s gang‑rebounding philosophy and will allow him to take on the bulk of top‑level defensive assignments.
Having visited the campus and spoken with Paris, Blakeney said he was attracted by the program’s direction and the chance to be a cornerstone for a team looking to rebuild after a challenging season.