Alright, so here’s the scoop: South Carolina’s women’s hoops team is making noise again—and not just your run-of-the-mill, “hey, we landed another five-star” noise. This weekend, they’re rolling out the red carpet for two serious ballers: Kelsi Andrews (yeah, that’s the forward everyone’s been expecting) and, plot twist, Somto Okafor, the Spanish guard who’s got Euro scouts drooling.
Let’s be real—everyone saw Andrews’ visit coming from a mile away. The Gamecocks have been practically camped out at her games. But Okafor? That’s a wild card. Most folks didn’t even have her on their recruiting bingo card.
From Barcelona With Buckets
Somtochukwu-Blessed Okafor—just call her Somto, seriously—was supposed to be heading to Arizona. That was the plan last fall, until Wildcats coach Adia Barnes peaced out to SMU. Suddenly, Somto’s back on the market, and every big program is texting her phone.
She hit up UCLA earlier this week, and now she’s in Columbia. Here’s the kicker: Because she’s been tearing it up in Spain instead of the American AAU circuit, recruiting sites don’t even have a ranking for her. Not that it matters—her game speaks for itself.
Back at the 2024 U16 EuroBasket, she averaged 12 points, snagged five boards, tossed a couple assists, swiped a few steals, and landed on the All-Star Five. Arizona noticed. Everyone else did too.
Big Stage, Bigger Moments
EuroBasket was her “hey, world, I’m here” moment. But at the 2025 U19 World Cup in Czechia? She straight-up arrived.
Averaged 12.5 points and 6.5 rebounds, with a splash of assists and steals. She made the All-Star Five again, but her real “mic drop” came in the bronze medal game: 23 points, 11 boards, three assists, and three steals. Spain edged Canada, 70–68. That’s not just numbers—that’s clutch.
And who was guarding her? Syla Swords, another big name in recruiting. Okafor outdueled her, and you know coaches were watching.
Dawn Staley: International Talent Scout Extraordinaire
Dawn Staley, South Carolina’s head coach and all-around basketball legend, was actually courtside in Czechia. She wasn’t just watching her own incoming freshmen (hey, Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell), but also scoping out international stars like Okafor and Aussie forward Sitaya Fagan.
Word is, Fagan’s planning a visit to SC, too. Staley and her staff are basically running a global talent search at this point.
Now, with Okafor checking out campus, fans are buzzing: Could this be the next big piece of the Gamecock puzzle?
Why Okafor Makes Sense for South Carolina
Somto’s game? Think non-stop defense, fearless drives, and nerves of steel when the pressure’s on. She’s tested herself against the best in Europe—way more battle-hardened than your average high school senior stateside.
If she signs on, she’s not just adding depth. She’s bringing swagger, experience, and a bit of that international flavor you don’t see every day in the SEC.
Bottom line, adding Okafor could be the next flex for a South Carolina program that already looks untouchable—and now, maybe, a little bit more global.
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