Dawn Staley Hosts 5-Star Center Zaniya Johnson as Another Top 2027 Recruit Sets Commitment Date…

Dawn Staley Hosts 5-Star Center Zaniya Johnson as Another Top 2027 Recruit Sets Commitment Date

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Dawn Staley and South Carolina women’s basketball continue to make noise on the recruiting trail.

Five-star center Zaniya Johnson was in Columbia over the weekend for an official visit, giving the Gamecocks another opportunity to strengthen their relationship with one of the top prospects in the 2027 recruiting class. The 6-foot-4 post from Biloxi, Mississippi, was spotted alongside Staley before South Carolina’s football game against Kentucky.

Johnson is ranked No. 18 nationally by ESPN and has narrowed her list to five schools: South Carolina, LSU, Florida State, Texas A&M and Mississippi State. She has already completed official visits to Florida State, LSU and Texas A&M, with a visit to Mississippi State scheduled for Oct. 23.

Her visit to South Carolina comes at an important time for Staley’s recruiting efforts. The Gamecocks are looking to continue building a talented 2027 class, and Johnson’s size, rebounding ability and interior presence could make her an intriguing fit in Staley’s system.

South Carolina has a history of developing elite centers, including Aliyah Boston and Kamilla Cardoso, and Johnson would give the Gamecocks another highly regarded post prospect if she ultimately chooses Columbia.

Meanwhile, another major South Carolina target has made her recruitment timeline official.

Five-star point guard Jezelle “GG” Banks has narrowed her choices to South Carolina, LSU and Texas and will announce her college decision on Oct. 9 in Delaware, according to ESPN.

Banks is ranked No. 4 nationally in the 2027 class and has already developed a strong relationship with Staley and the Gamecocks. She visited South Carolina in September, and Staley has continued to keep close tabs on the talented guard during her high school season.

The Gamecocks already have one commitment in the 2027 class after four-star guard Taylor Brown announced her decision to play for South Carolina on Oct. 3. Brown chose the Gamecocks over Tennessee and North Carolina.

Now, with Banks’ decision approaching and Johnson having completed her official visit, Staley has positioned South Carolina firmly in the conversation for several of the nation’s top recruits.

For Gamecock fans, the next few weeks could be especially important. Banks’ Oct. 9 decision is first, while Johnson’s recruitment remains one to watch as South Carolina continues pursuing the highly touted center.