The pressure to perform early is a common narrative in the world of college basketball, where players are often expected to make an immediate impact. However, for Gamecocks freshman Scott, patience has been the key theme in his development. At just 19 years old, Scott is competing against players who are often in their early-to-mid twenties, which puts him at a natural disadvantage in terms of physical maturity and experience. Despite this, he’s been working hard to adjust and contribute to his team’s success, even if the transition hasn’t been as seamless as some might have hoped.
Last year, South Carolina coach Paris made it clear that while there were several spots to fill on the roster, he wouldn’t just throw in high school standouts for the sake of filling out the team. Instead, he brought in a mix of veteran transfers, including Jamarii Thomas, a point guard, and Nick Pringle, a center. Along with these additions, the team retained solid contributors from the previous year, including veteran Myles Stute and sophomore Collin Murray-Boyles. Paris initially started veteran Zach Davis in the first game but later switched to Jacobi Wright, further demonstrating that experience was a priority.
For Scott, this meant that playing time wasn’t guaranteed, even with his impressive high school background. However, the decision isn’t meant as punishment; rather, it’s a lesson in patience and team dynamics. Scott is fully aware that his time will come, and he is eager to continue learning and improving. “Honestly, it’s been fun. Some adjustments you just have to make. Having everybody around me makes me better,” he shared, acknowledging the challenges of not living up to the “perfect freshman dream” but understanding the importance of growing from these moments.
Scott’s story isn’t unique in the context of the Gamecocks’ recent basketball history. Two years ago, GG Jackson faced similar pressures as a highly-touted freshman, leading the team in scoring and rebounding before eventually declaring for the NBA draft. Jackson’s journey, however, was marked by inconsistency and a turbulent off-court presence, a contrast to the steady professionalism exhibited by other players like Seventh Woods, who transferred back to South Carolina after a challenging career at North Carolina. Despite the high expectations surrounding Jackson, his success in the NBA proves his talent, while Woods never fully lived up to his high school hype due to injuries.
In comparison, Scott’s situation has been scrutinized by fans and media who wonder whether he will follow the path of Jackson, Woods, or someone else entirely. However, it’s far too early to draw such conclusions. As Rich, a member of the Gamecocks’ coaching staff, pointed out, it’s unfair to compare Scott’s journey to those of Jackson and Woods. Instead, he draws a comparison to P.J. Dozier, another highly-ranked player who had a rough start before becoming a key contributor to the Gamecocks’ 2017 Final Four run. Dozier’s success came after embracing challenges and focusing on his growth, and Rich believes Scott could follow a similar trajectory.
Scott himself is not overly concerned with living up to unrealistic expectations or playing like a superstar from day one. “I first felt the pressure in the seventh grade, when I was told I wasn’t going to play middle-school basketball again,” Scott recalled, emphasizing how he was already dominating the competition at such a young age. “I don’t need to go out there and have 700 points a game.” This mindset reflects a maturity beyond his years—Scott is in no rush to achieve overnight success but instead is focused on incremental improvements and being a strong contributor to his team.
Despite not yet having the breakout freshman season that some might have expected, Scott has embraced his role, which is to continue learning and improving. Rich noted that even though Scott’s early performances have been less than stellar, he has remained a great teammate, a willing learner, and a hardworking player. His approach shows that the lack of instant success has not deterred him or impacted his work ethic, and he continues to build his game every day.
Looking ahead, Scott remains committed to his development, understanding that the journey to becoming the player he wants to be won’t be linear. “We got our best basketball game coming up,” he said, hinting at his belief that his biggest moments are still ahead. His hunger for improvement is evident in his desire to gather input from coaches and teammates on areas where he can grow, and he seems determined to prove that he’s not just a future star but a present contributor to the team’s success.
In the world of college basketball, where the pressure for immediate results is often overwhelming, Scott’s patience and willingness to improve slowly but surely is a refreshing perspective. He may not have exploded onto the scene in the way many predicted, but his commitment to learning, working hard, and improving each day suggests that his best is yet to come. Whether or not he eventually reaches the heights of players like P.J. Dozier or GG Jackson, Scott’s focus on continuous improvement could set him on a path to becoming a key player for the Gamecocks in the near future.