In a moment that electrified women’s basketball fans across the nation, elite prospect Jerzy Robinson officially announced her commitment to the University of South Carolina on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, during a live appearance on ESPN’s NBA Today. The announcement culminated months of anticipation and delivered Dawn Staley another marquee recruit for her championship program—but it was the surprise message from WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson that made the moment truly unforgettable.
A Star is Born in Columbia
Robinson, the third overall prospect in the Class of 2026, made her announcement live on NBA Today, choosing South Carolina over LSU and UConn . The 6-foot shooting guard from Sierra Canyon High School becomes the crown jewel of Staley’s 2026 recruiting class and represents another significant victory in the coaching legend’s ability to attract premier talent to Columbia.
Speaking to ESPN shortly before her televised announcement, Robinson explained her decision: “I chose South Carolina because I had a sense of peace when it came down to the decision for me. I was guided by my faith throughout my recruitment. I just consulted the Lord. I sought him out, asked for direction and some guidance. And after talking to him and my family, we came to the decision that South Carolina was home for me”.
A’ja Wilson’s Powerful Welcome
The announcement took an emotional turn when ESPN surprised Robinson with a congratulatory video message from four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, arguably the greatest player to ever wear a South Carolina uniform. Wilson’s message was both welcoming and inspiring: “Welcome to the Gamecock family. You made the best choice. There’s no place like Columbia.” Wilson continued, “Before you know it, I’ll be seeing you in the big leagues. You ready? I know you are” .
The connection between Robinson and Wilson extends beyond this moment. During Robinson’s official visit in late October, she spent time with Wilson at the football game on October 25, shortly after Wilson had become the WNBA’s first four-time MVP . That personal interaction clearly left a lasting impression on the young star.
Dawn Staley and Team Reaction
For Dawn Staley and her coaching staff, landing Robinson represents a monumental recruiting victory. The commitment marked Robinson as “the final five-star recruit in the 2026 class to commit to a program” , and her addition completes an exceptional recruiting haul for the Gamecocks.
After first meeting Staley over a phone call at the age of 14, Robinson described her commitment as a “full-circle moment,” stating: “Playing basketball has always been my love and my passion and what I put my time into. To see it pay off and the hard work and the hours pay off, in the sense of I get to play for one of the best universities in the country, I just have so much gratitude” .
What It Means for Gamecock Nation
Robinson’s commitment carries enormous significance for South Carolina’s program trajectory. This marks the third consecutive year that South Carolina has signed a top-five prospect, following Joyce Edwards who was ranked second when she committed to the 2024 class, and Agot Makeer who was ranked fourth when she committed to the 2025 class .
The timing is particularly crucial as Staley will be without Ta’Niya Latson, Raven Johnson, Maryam Dauda and Madina Okot next season, though the program will fight for more eligibility for Okot . Robinson’s arrival helps ensure the Gamecocks maintain their elite status during this roster transition.
Robinson joins Kaeli Wynn (ranked 17th) and 6-4 forward Kelsi Andrews (ranked 18th) in South Carolina’s 2026 signing class , giving Staley three consensus top-20 prospects in a single class—a testament to the program’s sustained recruiting dominance.
An Elite Pedigree
Robinson brings an impressive résumé to Columbia that extends far beyond high school competition. She averaged 26.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.1 steals last season and was named first-team All-American by MaxPreps.
Her international credentials are equally impressive. Robinson has won three gold medals with Team USA, competing in the 2023 FIBA Americas U16 Championship, 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup, and 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup. In 2023, she averaged 17.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game as Team USA won gold, and the following year she was named MVP at the U17 World Cup, averaging 20.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game .
The Recruiting Journey
Robinson’s path to South Carolina included careful consideration of the nation’s top programs. She visited South Carolina the weekend of October 24, attending the Gamecocks’ exhibition game against Anderson on Friday night, the homecoming weekend football game against Alabama on Saturday, and meeting Wilson while she was in town to be inducted into the Lettermen’s Hall of Fame .
During Friday’s game, Robinson sat behind the Gamecock bench and was serenaded by chants of “We want Jerzy” —a moment that showcased the passionate fanbase awaiting her arrival.
ESPN analyst Shane Laflin offered this scouting assessment: “She is a confrontational defender and rebounds extremely well for her position. She brings an in-your-face competitive nature to the floor and backs down from no matchup defensively” .
A Perfect Alignment
Robinson’s commitment represents more than just adding talent—it’s a cultural and strategic fit. Robinson became one of the first high school athletes to sign an NIL deal with Nike when she inked a contract with the brand last December, and South Carolina switched to Nike as part of a 10-year deal last August , creating perfect alignment between player and program.
Robinson previously explained what she sought in a program: “Their offensive play style, how we’re doing in tournaments and coaching. Other players that are coming in, but also the support system and building me as a woman in this world. I want faithful people and a faithful organization”.
As Gamecock Nation celebrates this landmark commitment, the message is clear: South Carolina’s dynasty shows no signs of slowing down. With Robinson, Wynn, and Andrews forming the core of the 2026 class, and with the blessing and guidance of legends like A’ja Wilson, Dawn Staley continues building a program that attracts the nation’s best talent while developing champions both on and off the court.
