Stay or Go? Nick Pringle Weighs His Future with South Carolina Basketball
The question remains: Will Nick Pringle stay or will he go?
The South Carolina senior forward has a big decision ahead—not just whether to use his final year of eligibility, but where to use it.
One thing is certain: If Pringle returns in garnet and black, he wants more veteran talent by his side.
When asked what South Carolina needs to improve next season, Pringle was direct.
“More older guys, maybe athletic guys,” Pringle told The State. “Veteran players, transfers would be very nice for us. I don’t think the team right now needs a lot of young guys. But I think we’ll get some good transfers, some shooters.”
Pringle, who transferred from Alabama this season, was part of a trio of incoming transfers alongside Jamarii Thomas (Norfolk State) and Jordan Butler (Missouri). Head coach Lamont Paris has had success rebuilding through the portal before, leading a turnaround from 11 wins to 26 in his first two seasons. But this year, that leap didn’t happen.
Instead, South Carolina struggled, finishing at the bottom of the SEC with just two conference wins before bowing out in the first round of the SEC Tournament.
Experience Needed for a Turnaround
Paris agrees that experience played a major role in South Carolina’s close-game struggles. The Gamecocks lost five of seven games by five points or fewer during one stretch—including a crushing buzzer-beater defeat to then-No. 5 Florida.
“Last year we were 8-2 in (close) games. This year we weren’t,” Paris said. “There were some things that we didn’t pick up quickly enough in order to win those close games… Experience in certain positions might be part of it.”
But Pringle believes Paris can pull off another turnaround—this time with a veteran-heavy roster.
“He’s done it already; I feel he can do it again. It just takes time,” Pringle said. “He got a few returners from last year, but if he gets more guys to return from this year to make sure that he carries that grid over to what his plan is.”
Pringle’s Decision Looms
Paris said discussions about next year’s roster will begin soon. Some younger players are already locked in, and senior Myles Stute could receive an extra year from the NCAA. If that happens—along with key transfer additions—South Carolina might get the veteran presence Pringle is hoping for.
The biggest question? Will Pringle be part of it?
The well-traveled forward, who previously played at Wofford before two seasons at Alabama, is at another crossroads. His choice will likely come after conversations with Paris and those closest to him.
“I just wanted to finish the season out strong and just talk to Coach Paris about it and see what’s next for me,” Pringle said. “I definitely want to be here. Just want to sit down and talk to him and, you know, just dig into details for real and just try to make it happen.”
For now, South Carolina waits—hoping one of its most experienced leaders chooses to stay for another run.
