South Carolina Basketball Faces Roster Rebuild

On March 23rd, South Carolina's men's basketball team is dealing with early losses in the transfer portal after a rough season.

Freshman Guard Eli Ellis, who played nearly 27 minutes per game, and scored 8.6 points on average, with almost 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, has decided to leave.

The four-star recruit and two-time overtime elite, most valuable player, entered the portal on Monday.

Ellis isn't going alone.

Reserve-centered Jordan Butler, and forward Elijah Strong, who transferred in from Boston College and started 18 games this year, are also heading out.

That makes three key departures already for the game cocks heading into next season.

Coach Lamont-Paris got a fifth year despite a 25 and 39 record over the last two seasons, including just six wins in 30 SEC, games.

Fans and analysts question if the patients will pay off.

Now, Paris faces another full roster rebuild in Columbia, with the 2026-2027 campaign looking make or break for the program.

These moves highlight the tough transfer landscape in college hoops, leaving South Carolina to scramble for talent and stability moving forward.