BIG NEWS: Nation’s No. 1 Recruit Jerzy Robinson Flips the Script, Commits to South Carolina Women’s Basketball Over Powerhouse Rivals
In a stunning announcement that has sent shockwaves through the women’s college basketball world, Jerzy Robinson, widely regarded as the No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2026, has committed to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. The 6-foot guard from Sierra Canyon High School in California made her decision public live on ESPN2’s “NBA Today” on December 23, 2025, choosing Dawn Staley’s reigning powerhouse program over finalists including LSU, UConn, UCLA, USC, and several other elite programs.
Robinson, a dynamic rhythm scorer with exceptional size, ball-handling, and scoring touch for a guard, had long been considered one of the most coveted prospects in recent memory. Sources close to the recruitment described her final choice as coming down to South Carolina and LSU, with the Gamecocks ultimately winning out due to a “sense of peace” and a deep personal connection to head coach Dawn Staley.
“I chose South Carolina because I had a sense of peace when it came down to the decision for me,” Robinson told ESPN moments before her on-air announcement. “I was guided by my faith throughout my recruitment… When I visited South Carolina, I was already home. I was already valued there.”
The commitment marks a monumental recruiting victory for Staley, who has built South Carolina into a modern dynasty with three national championships since 2017 and an undefeated season culminating in the 2024 title. Robinson becomes the highest-ranked recruit in the Gamecocks’ 2026 class, joining fellow top-20 prospects Kaeli Wynn (No. 17) and Kelsi Andrews (No. 18), giving South Carolina one of the strongest incoming groups in the nation.
Who is Jerzy Robinson?
At just 17 years old, Robinson has already established herself as a generational talent. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, she exploded onto the national scene as a freshman, averaging 22 points per game before transferring to powerhouse Sierra Canyon, home to numerous high-profile recruits. Standing at 6 feet with guard skills, her physical profile is rare: she combines elite shot-creation, rebounding tenacity, and confrontational defense in a package that scouts compare to future WNBA stars.
247Sports scouting director Brandon Clay calls her a “rhythm scorer who needs to see a couple of shots drop for the floodgates to open,” emphasizing her “unique physical size and skillset package even among the nation’s elite.” ESPN analyst Shane Laflin praises her as “the most physical guard in her class,” noting her ability to rebound exceptionally well for her position and back down from no matchup defensively.
Robinson’s international resume is equally impressive: she has won three gold medals with USA Basketball teams in recent years, including the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup, 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup, and 2023 FIBA Americas U16 Championship.
Her ranking has fluctuated slightly—ESPN lists her at No. 5 in their SC Next 100—but many independent evaluators and outlets, including SI.com and recruiting insiders, have consistently labeled her the outright No. 1 player in the class since middle school. She was the last remaining five-star prospect in the 2026 cycle to commit, making her decision one of the most anticipated in women’s basketball recruiting history.
Why South Carolina? The Full-Circle Moment
Robinson’s connection to Staley dates back years. The Hall of Fame coach first reached out when Robinson was just 14, initiating a relationship that the young star describes as pivotal. “After first meeting Coach Staley over a phone call at the age of 14, this feels like a full-circle moment,” she said.
During her official visit to Columbia in October 2025, Robinson was treated to the full Gamecock experience: sideline seats for a football game against Alabama (where she was spotted with WNBA legend and South Carolina alum A’ja Wilson), practices, and exhibitions. The program’s proven track record of developing guards into professionals—think A’ja Wilson, Tiffany Mitchell, and recent stars like Aliyah Boston—undoubtedly played a role.
South Carolina’s winning culture sealed the deal. The Gamecocks boast an 89-game win streak against unranked opponents and have dominated the SEC under Staley. For a player like Robinson, who has described basketball as “my love and my passion,” joining a program that consistently competes for national titles was irresistible.
The Flip Factor: Beating Out LSU and the Blue Bloods
While Robinson was never publicly committed elsewhere, her recruitment was fiercely contested. LSU, under Kim Mulkey, hosted her for an official visit in October and was considered a strong contender due to their recent championships and aggressive recruiting style. UConn’s Geno Auriemma, UCLA, USC, Iowa, and Notre Dame all made strong pushes.
Insiders noted that Robinson delayed her decision past the early signing period in November—skipping her high school’s ceremony entirely—to ensure she made the right choice. In the end, faith, family input, and the “home” feeling at South Carolina won out over the glitz of other programs.
This isn’t framed as a traditional “flip” from a prior verbal commitment, but landing the consensus No. 1 over such heavy competition feels like a massive steal for the Gamecocks.
Impact on South Carolina’s Future
Robinson’s arrival in the fall of 2026 will coincide with potential roster turnover. Stars like Chloe Kitts, Raven Johnson, and others may exhaust eligibility or enter the WNBA by then, creating prime opportunities for immediate impact. Paired with Wynn and Andrews—both long, versatile forwards—Robinson forms the cornerstone of what could be Staley’s next championship core.
Analysts project the 2026 class as potentially top-3 nationally, reinforcing South Carolina’s status as the premier destination for elite talent. As one recruiting expert put it: “Other top recruits will now look at South Carolina even more closely.”
Reactions Pour In
Social media erupted following the announcement. A’ja Wilson posted a video message welcoming Robinson, while fans flooded timelines with “Another One” memes referencing Staley’s relentless recruiting dominance.
Dawn Staley, ever composed, simply tweeted a chicken emoji—the Gamecocks’ mascot—signaling business as usual in building yet another juggernaut.
For women’s basketball fans, this commitment is more than just a recruiting win. It’s a statement: South Carolina isn’t just defending titles—they’re reloading for more.
As Robinson prepares for her senior season at Sierra Canyon, aiming for a state championship, the countdown begins to her arrival in Columbia. The dynasty continues.
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