JUST IN: The No. 1 women’s basketball recruit in America has just SHOCKED the college basketball world by flipping her commitment from Tennessee Vols to South Carolina Gamecocks.

In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves across college basketball, the nation’s top women’s basketball recruit has officially committed to the South Carolina Gamecocks. Once firmly pledged to the Tennessee Vols, the star prospect has now made a last-minute decision to join Dawn Staley’s powerhouse programme, adding even more firepower to an already formidable roster.

This move is being hailed as one of the biggest recruiting flips of the year. Tennessee fans are understandably stunned, as the Vols had hoped the five-star athlete would become a cornerstone of their future. For South Carolina, however, the news couldn’t be sweeter. Staley and her staff continue to prove why they are one of the best recruiting teams in the nation, consistently attracting elite-level talent.

The young star’s decision was reportedly influenced by South Carolina’s recent track record of success, which includes multiple national titles and the development of players who have thrived at the professional level. The Gamecocks’ strong culture, competitive environment, and history of producing WNBA-ready athletes appear to have been decisive factors in the commitment flip.

For the Gamecock faithful, this announcement marks yet another reason to be optimistic about the future. Adding the top prospect in the country means South Carolina will not only maintain its dominance but could also strengthen its bid for another championship in the coming seasons. Fans have already taken to social media to celebrate, calling the move a “game-changer” and praising the coaching staff’s relentless recruiting efforts.

As the excitement builds, all eyes will now be on how this highly-rated recruit adapts to her new team and system. If her high school dominance is any indication, she is poised to make an immediate impact and carve her name into South Carolina’s storied basketball legacy. For Tennessee, it’s a bitter blow, but for the Gamecocks, it’s yet another victory in the ongoing battle for college basketball supremacy.

Dawn Staley reveals her pick for WNBA MVP

WNBA and college basketball legend Dawn Staley has one clear choice for WNBA MVP.

© Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesHead coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks

Dawn Staley picked one of her former players at South Carolina as the favorite to win the 2025 WNBA MVP award. Staley has been one of the biggest supporters of women’s basketball, but she goes an extra mile when it comes to her current and former players.

A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston, under different circumstances, are putting up solid performances with the Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Pacers, respectively. They have elevated their game once again, and their former coach has taken notice.

Staley praised Boston and Bree Hall over the weekend, highlighting their performance for the Fever amid Caitlin Clark’s absence. Wilson, on the other hand, was dubbed the best player in the league by Staley, who didn’t hesitate and told fans she wasn’t interested in their arguments.

Dawn Staley makes her pick for WNBA MVP clear

On Monday, the three-time national champion sent a message on X to endorse her favorite to win the MVP award. While she admitted she was biased, Staley didn’t hesitate to back Wilson for the coveted prize. 

A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces

“As we wind down the @WNBA season, just would like to thank all the talented women who gave us a season of all seasons,” the college basketball legend wrote. “If there’s truly no funny stuff in the air @ajawilson22 really is the MVP. I’m biased, but the historical numbers and run they’re on aren’t.”

Wilson leads the league in points (23.4) and blocks (2.3), while ranking second in rebounds (9.9) and third in double-doubles (20).  The Aces tied the third-longest winning streak in WNBA history with 15 consecutive wins after they beat the Chicago Sky on Tuesday. Napheesa Collier is also having a remarkable season, but Wilson is having the best run at the moment.