Center Zaniya Johnson Commits to South Carolina, Becoming Third Member of 2027 Class / sportsearchers.com

South Carolina women’s basketball added to its 2027 recruiting class with a commitment from center Zaniya Johnson, the third Gamecock pledge in the class. According to the announcement, she is ranked 18th overall by ESPN SportsCenter NEXT.

Joining Taylor Brown and GG Banks

Johnson joins two guards already committed. Taylor Brown was first, and five-star combo guard Jezelle “GG” Banks followed on Oct. 10. Banks is the No. 4 overall player and the top-ranked player at her position in 247Sports’ composite rankings for 2027. She picked the Gamecocks over SEC rivals LSU and Texas. When Banks committed, reports already pointed to Johnson as a possible next commit.

Why Johnson fits

South Carolina has recruited well at center. Banks’ commitment came with a roster note: the Gamecocks’ average height is over 6-foot-2, but they lack a traditional point guard. Johnson adds more size and a long-term frontcourt option. Together, Brown, Banks and Johnson give the class both backcourt skill and interior size.

Following a strong 2026 class

Dawn Staley is building on a successful recent haul. The Gamecocks had the No. 2 class in 2026, with four five-star prospects: guard Jerzy Robinson, forwards Kaeli Wynn and Oliviyah Edwards, and center Kelsi Andrews. Staley’s program has won national titles in 2017, 2022 and 2024, which helps in recruiting.

What’s still unknown

The announcement gives Johnson’s ESPN ranking but not her position ranking, her height, or the schools she chose between. Other outlets haven’t reported those details yet, so I can’t confirm them. If you have her profile or Johnson’s own announcement, send it and I’ll add the details.

What’s next

The 2027 class is only partly built. With three commitments in, expect Staley and her staff to keep recruiting and to add more pledges before the signing period.