Gamecock Basketball Recruiting: James Thompson Commits to South Carolina

The South Carolina Gamecock basketball program continues to turn over its roster between the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, adding a commitment from 6'9 power forward James Thompson on Wednesday.  Thompson becomes the fourth member of Carolina's 2014 class, joining Marcus Stroman, TeMarcus Blanton, and Shamiek Sheppard.  He also becomes the fifth player capable of playing in the post for the Gamecocks during the 2014-15 season, an area of need for Carolina given the recent departure of Desmond Ringer.

Thompson averaged 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots per game during his senior season at Parkview Baptist School in Louisiana's 3A division.  Recruiting services pegged him as the second-best recruit out of the state of Louisiana behind Craig Victor, who signed to play college ball at Arizona.  Thompson clocks in as the 46th best power forward in the nation according to 247Sports composite ratings.

The addition of Thompson puts the Gamecocks over the scholarship limit at 14, though they likely will obtain an additional scholarship due to Carlton Geathers' medical issues.  The addition does mean that if Carolina accepts a commitment from potential transfers Danuel House (of Houston) or Robert Carter Jr. (of Georgia Tech), another player must depart from the program to free up an additional scholarship for the 2014-15 season.

The addition will move the Gamecocks into 46th place in the team ratings for 2014 recruiting classes.