The South Carolina Gamecocks, who failed to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament this season, have taken a significant step towards improving their roster for the 2025-26 season. According to recent reports, the Gamecocks have successfully recruited Christ Essandoko, a 7-0, 290-pound center from Providence, via the transfer portal.
Essandoko, a sophomore from Clichy, France, averaged 4.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in the previous season. His impressive size, combined with his skill set, is expected to bring much-needed depth and upside to Lamont Paris’s roster. The Gamecocks struggled to a last-place finish in the SEC this season, with a 12-20 overall record and a 2-16 conference record.
The connection between Essandoko and South Carolina dates back to 2021 when he attended a camp under then-head coach Frank Martin. Although he ultimately committed to Providence, Essandoko has now decided to join the Gamecocks. This move is expected to bolster the team’s performance, especially considering Essandoko’s impressive stats, including 0.8 assists per game and a 50.7% field goal percentage.
The recruitment of Essandoko is a significant coup for the Gamecocks, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing season. With his size and skill set, Essandoko is expected to make an immediate impact on the team. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc will provide the Gamecocks with a much-needed threat from the perimeter.
The SEC is one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, and the Gamecocks will need to significantly improve their performance to compete with powerhouses like Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. The addition of Essandoko is a step in the right direction, but the team will need to continue to recruit and develop talent if they hope to become a contender in the conference.
Despite the challenges ahead, the recruitment of Essandoko is a positive development for the Gamecocks. His size, skill set, and experience will provide a much-needed boost to the team’s roster. As the team looks to rebuild and improve, the addition of Essandoko is a significant step in the right direction.
In conclusion, the South Carolina Gamecocks have made a significant move to improve their roster for the 2025-26 season. The recruitment of Christ Essandoko, a 7-0, 290-pound center from Providence, is expected to bring much-needed depth and upside to Lamont Paris’s roster. With his impressive size and skill set, Essandoko is expected to make an immediate impact on the team. As the Gamecocks look to rebound from a disappointing season, the addition of Essandoko is a positive development that could help the team become a contender in the SEC.
