Dawn Staley Scopes Out Five-Star Standout Olivia Vukosa at Nike EYBL Showcase
On Friday, South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley hit the recruiting trail, making a stop in Louisville, Kentucky, for the Nike EYBL Run 4 the Roses showcase. Among the elite prospects at the event, one name stood out: Olivia Vukosa, a five-star post player and a major target for the Gamecocks.
Vukosa, who stars for Philly Rise, took the court in one of the morning games and lived up to her growing reputation. Nicknamed “Big O,” the 6-foot-5 forward/center has been nothing short of dominant on the spring and summer circuit — and Friday was no exception.
With her elite size and polished skill set, Vukosa is widely considered one of the top players in the 2025 class. She currently holds offers from a powerhouse group of programs, naming South Carolina, UConn, Kentucky, Texas, LSU, North Carolina, and Ohio State in her top seven earlier this year.
Speaking with On3’s Talia Goodman, Vukosa shared high praise for the Gamecock program and her connection with Staley’s staff.
“Coach [Dawn] Staley is a great person,” she said. “I don’t get to talk to them all the time, but when I do, it’s like the conversation picks up right where it left off. She has brought great energy, and so does her whole staff.”
Though she has an official visit locked in with LSU, Vukosa has yet to publicly schedule one with South Carolina.
The Christ the King Regional High School standout is ranked as the No. 5 overall player in the country, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. She also holds the No. 2 spot among power forwards and is the top-ranked player in New York.
Vukosa’s game is built on versatility. She boasts a commanding low-post presence and is nearly unstoppable on the block. However, she’s not limited to the paint—Vukosa is also a reliable mid-range shooter and can occasionally stretch the floor with a three-pointer, making her a matchup nightmare at either forward or center.
As Dawn Staley continues building South Carolina’s future powerhouse lineup, keep an eye on Vukosa—she could be the next big name to wear garnet and black.
