Jezelle “GG” Banks has quickly become one of the most talked-about prospects in the 2027 recruiting class, and South Carolina is firmly in the race for her commitment.
The five-star point guard grabbed national attention during WNBA All-Star Weekend after knocking down consecutive deep three-pointers in the Shooting Stars competition, showing the confidence and range that have made her one of the country’s elite young guards.
Ranked No. 4 nationally in ESPN’s 2027 class, Banks has scheduled official visits with South Carolina, Texas, LSU, and Ohio State, giving Dawn Staley another opportunity to make her case.
Staley has been tracking Banks for years, extending an offer back in July 2023 before continuing to evaluate her during multiple showcase events. That long-term relationship could prove valuable as the recruiting battle intensifies.
Banks has spoken highly of the Gamecocks program, praising Staley’s coaching style, the fast-paced system, and the family atmosphere surrounding the team.
“I feel like South Carolina is definitely another fit for me,” Banks said while discussing her upcoming visit. “They play fast, Coach Staley is an awesome coach, and they have a genuine family environment.”
Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Banks began her high school career at Ursuline Academy before transferring to St. James Performance Academy. She earned Gatorade Delaware Girls Basketball Player of the Year honors after averaging 21.7 points and 4.8 assists as a sophomore. During her junior season, she continued to impress with 14.3 points and 5.4 assists per game.
For South Carolina, Banks represents more than another five-star addition.
She could become a key piece of the Gamecocks’ future backcourt.
With veteran guard Tessa Johnson expected to move on after the season and uncertainty surrounding future roster construction under the NCAA’s updated eligibility rules, adding a talented point guard remains a priority.
If Banks arrives for the 2027-28 season, she could immediately compete for significant minutes while providing depth at point guard. Her 5-foot-10 frame and ability to play both on and off the ball make her an ideal fit in Staley’s versatile system.
Her size, court vision, and scoring ability would also allow South Carolina to shift other guards into more natural scoring roles when needed.
Banks is not the only elite recruit on Staley’s radar.
Five-star wing Jordyn Palmer has also announced plans to visit Columbia. The Pennsylvania standout is ranked No. 7 nationally and is coming off a dominant junior season in which she averaged 23.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 3.3 steals per game.
Landing Banks would strengthen an already impressive recruiting effort and help ensure South Carolina remains loaded with elite backcourt talent for years to come.
With official visits approaching, the Gamecocks will have a chance to convince one of the nation’s best point guards that Columbia is the next step on her path to college basketball stardom.
