South Carolina women’s basketball offers Oregon point guard Kaylor Buse as the Gamecocks continue expanding their search for elite backcourt talent in the 2027 recruiting class. The latest scholarship offer signals that Dawn Staley’s staff is keeping a close eye on one of the Pacific Northwest’s most productive young guards, even before national recruiting rankings have fully caught up with her rapid rise.
Gamecocks turn attention to Oregon standout
South Carolina officially extended a scholarship offer Wednesday to 2027 point guard Kaylor Buse, a dynamic playmaker from West Linn High School in West Linn, Oregon.
Standing 5-foot-9, Buse has built a reputation as a fearless floor general who impacts every phase of the game. Whether she’s weaving through defenders for a difficult finish, firing pinpoint passes in transition, or creating turnovers with relentless defensive pressure, the Oregon standout has consistently delivered on the biggest stages.
She also competes for Northwest Select on the travel circuit, where she helped guide the program to the circuit semifinals while continuing to attract attention from major Division I programs.
A proven winner on both ends of the floor
Winning has become a familiar theme throughout Buse’s high school career.
She helped lead West Linn High School to its first-ever Oregon state championship, cementing her place among the program’s most accomplished players.
Her individual honors are equally impressive:
- First-Team All-State as a sophomore.
- First-Team All-State as a junior.
- League Defensive Player of the Year as a freshman.
- League Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore.
- League Defensive Player of the Year as a junior.
During the most recent season, Buse averaged:
- 15.2 points per game
- 6.2 rebounds
- 5.2 assists
- 2.6 steals
- 1.3 blocks
The shot-blocking numbers are particularly remarkable for a point guard her size, highlighting her timing, anticipation, and willingness to defend every possession.
Recruiting rankings may not tell the full story
ESPN currently ranks Buse No. 77 nationally in the 2027 class, while Rivals/On3 has yet to assign her a national ranking.
However, rankings often change dramatically as prospects gain exposure on the national AAU circuit.
That reality is fresh in the minds of recruiting analysts after guard Lizzy Spaight made a similar leap last year. Spaight was also ranked No. 77 by ESPN before an outstanding summer performance elevated her into the nation’s top 15 prospects. She eventually committed to Texas despite receiving offers from South Carolina, LSU, and several other powerhouse programs.
Buse appears capable of following a similar trajectory if her development continues.
Growing list of major offers
South Carolina joins an increasingly impressive list of schools pursuing the talented guard.
Her current scholarship offers include:
- Gonzaga
- Oregon
- Oregon State
- Stanford
- South Carolina
College coaches have been drawn to her creativity around the basket, her vision as a passer, and her ability to dictate the pace of a game without forcing the action.
Reaching a historic milestone
Earlier this year, Buse became just the third player in West Linn High School history to score 1,000 career points.
Even more impressive, she reached the milestone with another full high school season still remaining.
The school praised its star guard, emphasizing that her impact extends far beyond the scoring column.
According to West Linn, Buse earned every point through relentless effort, exceptional leadership at the point guard position, and an unmatched work ethic. The school also highlighted her ability to control the tempo, thrive in transition, and make teammates better—qualities that have made her one of the most dependable players in program history.
Basketball runs in the family
Kaylor isn’t the only talented athlete in her household.
She shares the court with her twin sister, Kyla, as well as her younger sister Kinley. The Buse family includes seven siblings, including another set of twins, creating one of the more unique basketball families in the region.
At the moment, Kaylor is the only sibling receiving significant interest from major Division I programs, but her success has already placed the family name firmly on the recruiting map.
Why South Carolina is expanding its search
South Carolina has traditionally targeted five-star prospects and nationally recognized blue-chip recruits.
This recruiting cycle, however, the Gamecocks appear to be casting a slightly wider net at point guard—a position expected to become increasingly important in future roster construction.
Buse fits many of the traits the coaching staff values: leadership, defensive toughness, basketball IQ, and the ability to elevate teammates. While she may currently fly under the radar compared to some nationally ranked stars, her production and winning résumé suggest she could become one of the biggest risers in the 2027 class.
If her development continues at its current pace, South Carolina’s early scholarship offer could prove to be one of the smartest recruiting moves the program makes this cycle.
As the South Carolina women’s basketball offers Oregon point guard Kaylor Buse storyline continues to develop, expect more national programs to enter the race for one of the West Coast’s fastest-rising young guards.
