Gamecocks Extend Offers to Two 2027 Standouts
The South Carolina Gamecocks continue to make waves on the recruiting trail for the Class of 2027, officially extending scholarship offers to two emerging talents: Aila Courtenay and Zaniya Johnson. These moves signal early momentum for both the football and women’s basketball programs as they begin shaping future rosters.
1. Aila Courtenay — Emerging Frontcourt Force
One of the more intriguing early offers from South Carolina goes to Aila Courtenay, a burgeoning basketball prospect from FBC United Young Gunz and St. Francis High School in Alpharetta, Georgia. Standing at approximately 6-3 with promising skills as a forward/center, Courtenay has drawn attention with her athleticism and versatility on the court. According to her publicly shared profile, she’s recognized as a scholar athlete and a standout on the AAU circuit, balancing strong academics with competitive basketball performance.
Courtenay’s recruitment is still in the early stages, given her class year (2027), but an offer from a powerhouse like South Carolina — a perennial NCAA champion contender in women’s basketball under head coach Dawn Staley — highlights her potential. Her frame, position versatility, and exposure with the FBC United program make her an intriguing long-term target for Gamecock staff as they build their future frontcourt.
2. Zaniya Johnson — 4-⭐ Prospect with SEC Attention
Joining Courtenay in receiving an official offer is Zaniya Johnson, a highly-ranked four-star Class of 2027 forward/center. Johnson, listed around 6-4, has seen her recruitment heat up with interest from multiple major programs across the country. South Carolina’s offer reflects a broader trend of SEC schools courting her talent.
According to recruiting industry reporting, Johnson has been regarded as one of the top prospects in her class, featuring size and skill that could translate well at the collegiate level. She’s drawn recognition not just from South Carolina but other programs (including unofficial visits reportedly to other schools), showing just how competitive her recruitment has become.
Her presence on recruiting watch lists — where she’s consistently mentioned among the top centers nationally — underscores the significance of South Carolina’s recruitment pitch. Landing a player of Johnson’s caliber could have a meaningful impact on the Gamecocks’ frontcourt depth for years to come.
What This Means for South Carolina
Offering scholarships this early in the recruiting cycle is a sign that the Gamecocks are aggressively identifying talent for future seasons — particularly in women’s basketball where sustained success under Staley has made South Carolina a premier destination. Courtenay and Johnson represent two distinct profiles: one a rising AAU talent still developing her national reputation, the other a high-ranking star already on the radar of elite programs.
The Gamecocks’ proactive approach could pay dividends if they can cultivate early relationships, bring these young prospects on campus for visits, and ultimately secure commitments before regional and national signing periods accelerate in the next recruiting calendar.
