As we read yesterday – All Gamecock Commitments Have Signed – and today – Future Signed into Focus – Horn got his 5 freshman to sign on which is a very good thing. Keep in mind he will also bring in 1 transfer to come in as a walkon. Several of the players had offers from other major programs around the country and could be considered one of the best classes the Gamecocks have brought in during the past 20 years.
Eric Smith (5’11 180) (Mullins, SC/Christ School)
Smith became the first commitment of the Horn era on August 28th of last year. He could see time at running the point full time at the college level which will mean he will need to develop more of a pass first mentality. This guy can create and score but he will have to develop into the floor leader.
R.J. Slawson (6’8 170) (North Charleston, SC/Fort Dorchester)
The long lanky combo forward is rated as the 82nd best player in the ESPN class of 2010. This guy is versatile but will have to add some pounds to play down low. What sets him apart is his ability to drain a 3 ptr. I can see RJ getting plenty of PT his freshman year due to how he can create a mis-match.
Bruce Ellington (5’10 175) (Moncks Corner, SC/Berkeley)
Downey will be leaving the program after this year and will be missed. Enter Mr. Ellington. Ellington is a stocky built point guard with top of the line speed in the open court and possesses the skills to break down a defense in the half court set. Expect Ellington to make a heavy contribution in the 2010 season and have a chance to earn a starting role at some point.
Brian Richardson (6’4 175) (Wilson, N.C./Greenfield School)
Richardson will come to South Carolina as an underrated prospect who will give the Gamecocks a pure shooter from the outside with the range and accuracy not seen since Jamel Bradley ran the court in the early part of the decade. At 6’4 with a long wing span, Richardson will bring a great dimension on defense as he has good lateral quickness combined with the “lanky-ness” that enables him to cover guards or forwards.
DaMontre Harris (6’9 205) (Fayetteville, N.C./Trinity Christian School)
The gem of the 2010 recruiting class for Horn and the staff. South Carolina beat out other schools such as Wake Forest, Florida, Connecticut and Maryland for the services of the talented athletic big man. Harris possesses the type of athleticism that will allow him to play at the top in Horn’s full court press over top of the ball or he can be used around the basket as a shot blocker. Expect Harris to step in as a starter his sophomore year due to him needing to improve in certain areas and be the type of athletic big man in the middle that Horn loves to have on his team.
Malik Cooke (6’5 200) (Charlotte, NC/Christ School/University of Nevada)
The sixth man in the 2010 recruiting class will end up being current transfer and walk on Cooke who will practice with the team during the 2009-10 season while being ineligible to play. Most sources believe Cooke will then go on scholarship for the 2010-11 season with two more years of eligibility.
