Basketball

South Carolina Adds Trio of Talented Players Ahead of 2026‑27 Season

Mathias Alessanco, Nasir Hines and Ford Wilder join a revamped roster as the Gamecocks prepare for summer exhibition play

The University of South Carolina has locked in the final pieces of its men’s basketball roster for the 2026‑27 campaign, bringing in three fresh prospects who will add depth and versatility.

New Faces on the Court

Mathias Alessanco, a Brazilian forward touted as a top prospect, arrives after a standout junior career that was cut short by a torn ACL, meaning he will redshirt his opening year on campus.

Nasir Hines, a 6‑10 forward who posted 2.1 points and 1.2 rebounds last season at Palm Beach State College, brings a defensive mindset and a high‑energy style that the staff believes will translate well to the SEC.

Ford Wilder, a 6‑4 guard from Sumter, South Carolina, enters the program after scoring more than 1,300 points at Wilson High School, a testament to his scoring instincts and clutch performances.

The new additions join a roster that now counts 12 newcomers alongside three returning players, a balance that the coaching staff hopes will translate into immediate competitiveness during the summer schedule.

The Gamecocks are slated to open their summer program with a series of exhibition matches at the Baha Mar Summer League in August, giving the newcomers a chance to acclimate to the college tempo before the official season begins.

Published by SocketNews.com powered news Editorial Team Structured news coverage generated from verified editorial data fields. About Editorial Policy Contact