Gamecocks put full-court press on prized in-state prospect

Other issues aside, one area most fans expected would improve under Frank Martin was recruiting.  With the additions of five-star guard Sindarius Thornwell and former four-star transfer Tyrone Johnson, Martin certainly elevated the talent level in Columbia in his first two years.  However, he continues to try to reel in the types of top-100 players necessary to compete with the top of the SEC, and this week that led him and his staff to the home of Perry Dozier, Jr.

Dozier Jr. rates as the 26th-best player in the nation according to 247Sports.com, and the shooting guard from Spring Valley High School has interest from major programs across the nation, including North Carolina, Michigan, and Georgetown (who stole top recruit LJ Peak out from under South Carolina last recruiting cycle).

The shooting guard expects to decide his college destination during the fall signing period, and as a sign of how important he remains to the Gamecocks' plans for the future, Frank Martin brought his entire staff with him to the in-home meeting.  Dozier responded favorably.

Had a Great home visit with the home town school (South Carolina) today.

— PJ Dozier (@Dozier_Kid) September 10, 2014

The early signing period for basketball players runs from November 12 to 19 this season.  The Gamecocks expect to get the last of Dozier's five official visits in the lead-up to that date.  Obviously, a player of such talent choosing Carolina would help considerably as the Gamecocks try to move up the SEC standings and the national consciousness, and paired with a team full of upperclassmen, Dozier Jr. could step in as a freshman and help lead Carolina to its first NCAA appearance in over a decade in 2015-16.