P.J. Dozier a huge piece of Frank Martin's puzzle

In a battle between Louisville and South Carolina, the Gamecocks landed one of the biggest recruits in the school's history when P.J. Dozier signed to play for the Gamecocks.  He's the second member of the 2015 class, joining top-100 recruit Chris Silva.

Dozier credited the relationships built with Frank Martin and the staff as the reason for him choosing South Carolina.  He said the family legacy at Carolina didn't play a factor, but described it as a "blessing" that he would attend the same school as his father, sister, and uncle.

Dozier said Martin and the Gamecocks have done a great job "of progressing in the program and getting better each year."   Frank Martin was as surprised as anyone when Dozier announced - he told the media he didn't tell the coach in advance of his announcement.

The Spring Valley guard said he simply had a "feel" that South Carolina was the best place for him.  "When it came down to it, it was just how I felt."

Dozier's signature means the Gamecocks should produce a top-15 class in 2015, and that could potentially improve dramatically tomorrow, as Tevin Mack announces his decision.  Mack appears to favor VCU, but his recruitment has been difficult to read.  And given that Dozier seemed likely to attend Louisville as recently as last week, there's no reason that Mack couldn't also pull a surprise for Frank Martin and his staff.

Even without Mack, given that the Gamecocks only lose one player from this year's team - though an important player in senior point guard Tyrone Johnson - the influx of talent, combined with the growth from the remainder of the roster, leaves the Gamecocks well positioned to put a team on the court that can match up with anyone in the SEC and make a run for an NCAA tournament berth, which would be the Gamecocks first in over a decade.

Dozier's commitment is one of the biggest days in Frank Martin's tenure so far.  Just two days before the season starts, Frank Martin already has one major win under his belt.