A New Chapter for the Gamecocks
The University of South Carolina announced Tuesday that Spanish forward Hugo Lopez has signed a letter of intent to join the program for the 2026‑2027 season.
At 22, Lopez brings a blend of size and mobility that the Gamecocks hope will translate into immediate impact on the paint.
He spent the last four years competing in Spain's Primera FEB, the country's second professional division, where he averaged 2.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game for Movistar Estudiantes.
Lopez also represented Spain at the U20 level in 2024 and earned a medal with the U19 World Cup squad in 2021, highlighting his pedigree on the international stage.
He is the eighth commitment in South Carolina's current recruiting cycle, joining a group that includes transfers such as Kevin Miller, Juan Fernandez, Kory Mincy, Camden Heide, Aleksas Bieliauskas, Shane Blakeney, Jakub Nečas and Davion Hannah.
Coach Lamont Paris praised the addition, noting that Lopez's ability to score near the basket and alter shots in the paint should bolster the team's interior presence.
Beyond his statistical contributions, Lopez is known for his work ethic and willingness to move well in space, traits that align with the Gamecocks' up‑tempo style.
The signing underscores the program's strategy of tapping into global talent pools, a trend that has become a hallmark of South Carolina's recent roster builds.