BREAKING: North Dakota transfer guard Treysen Eaglestaff has officially committed to the South Carolina Gamecocks, marking a significant addition to head coach Lamont Parisâs rebuilding project.
The 6âfootâ6 junior, who averaged an impressive 18.9 points per game this season for the Fighting Hawks, made headlines with his standout performancesâdropping 40 points against a topâ10 Alabama squad and a recordâbreaking 51 points in the Summit League tournament quarterfinals.
In choosing South Carolina over offers from elite programs like Kansas, Kentucky, and Gonzaga, Eaglestaff has sent a clear message about his ambitions and the bright future he envisions in the Southeastern Conference.
Eaglestaffâs journey began in Bismarck, North Dakota, where he emerged as one of the stateâs most prolific scorers during his high school career. Earning the title of North Dakota Mr. Basketball, he rewrote the record books at Bismarck High School, setting marks for career points and threeâpoint shooting. This legacy of excellence followed him to the University of North Dakota, where he quickly became a key offensive weapon.
Over the past three seasons, his scoring average steadily climbed, and his ability to light up the court from beyond the arc has become his trademark. As a junior, he not only averaged 18.9 points per game but also demonstrated remarkable consistency and efficiencyâa performance that has now captured the attention of SEC programs nationwide.
For South Carolina, Eaglestaffâs commitment represents a strategic coup. The Gamecocks have struggled in recent seasons, and the arrival of a dynamic, highâscoring guard like Eaglestaff could be exactly what they need to turn their fortunes around.
âWeâre thrilled to add a player of Treysenâs caliber to our roster,â said Coach Lamont Paris in a statement. âHis shooting ability, combined with his competitive fire, makes him an ideal fit for our system. We believe he can help us compete in the SEC and bring a new dimension to our offense.â
Eaglestaffâs decision to leave North Dakota was not made lightly. The transfer portal has become a hotbed for top talent seeking new opportunities, and his name quickly rose to prominence among recruiters.
Despite interest from storied programs such as Kansas, Kentucky, and Gonzaga, Eaglestaff chose South Carolinaâa decision that underscores his desire for a fresh challenge and the opportunity to play on a bigger stage in one of college basketballâs most competitive conferences. His agent, George Langberg of GSL Sports Group, confirmed the news to On3 Sports, emphasizing that the move aligns perfectly with his clientâs longâterm goals and vision for his basketball career.
Throughout his career at North Dakota, Eaglestaff has been known for his fearless scoring and ability to take over games. In one marquee performance during the Summit League tournament, he exploded for 51 pointsâa performance that not only underscored his scoring prowess but also set a program record.
Earlier in the season, his 40âpoint effort against Alabama proved that he could hang with topâtier competition, making him the first midâmajor player to achieve such a feat against an APâTopâ10 opponent since 2012. These performances have solidified his reputation as a clutch performer capable of rising to the occasion when it matters most.
Beyond his scoring, Eaglestaffâs versatility on the court is also a significant asset. At 6â6, his size allows him to see over defenses and create opportunities both for himself and his teammates.
His averages of 2.4 assists per game and 2.8 rebounds, though modest by some standards, reflect a wellârounded game that can contribute in multiple facets. His efficiency from the threeâpoint line, combined with his overall shooting percentage, demonstrates that he is not merely a volume scorer but an effective one. South Carolinaâs coaching staff is excited about his potential to stretch defenses and open up driving lanes for the rest of the Gamecocks.
The impact of Eaglestaffâs arrival is expected to be felt immediately. South Carolinaâs current roster has seen its share of struggles, particularly on the offensive end, where inconsistent shooting and a lack of perimeter threat have hindered the teamâs performance.
With the SEC being one of the most competitive conferences in the nation, the Gamecocks need players who can elevate their game in big moments. Eaglestaffâs highâscoring ability and confidence in his shot could provide the spark the team desperately needs. Moreover, his experience in handling high-pressure situations at North Dakota will prove invaluable as he transitions into the rigors of SEC play.
Off the court, Eaglestaff is known for his leadership and work ethic. Teammates and coaches alike have praised him for his dedication in practice and his willingness to push himself and those around him to achieve excellence.
These qualities, combined with his natural talent, suggest that he will not only be a key contributor on the stat sheet but also a positive influence in the locker room. As South Carolina embarks on a new chapter, the infusion of a leader like Eaglestaff could help foster a culture of accountability and ambitionâan essential ingredient for long-term success.
For the Gamecocksâ fanbase, the news of Eaglestaffâs commitment is a welcome boost. After seasons of disappointing finishes and missed opportunities, the arrival of a player with a proven scoring touch and a fearless competitive spirit is cause for optimism.
Fans can look forward to witnessing his signature deep threeâpointers and explosive scoring displays as the team gears up for the upcoming season. In a league filled with highâoctane offenses and tenacious defenses, the addition of Treysen Eaglestaff could very well be the catalyst that propels South Carolina back into national relevance.
In summary, Treysen Eaglestaffâs commitment to South Carolina marks a pivotal moment for both the player and the Gamecocks program. His impressive production at North Dakota, particularly his ability to score in bunches against elite competition, makes him one of the most intriguing transfer prospects of the offseason.
As he prepares to don the Gamecocksâ uniform and face the challenges of the SEC, all eyes will be on him to see if he can replicateâand even surpassâhis midâmajor success on a larger stage. With his decision now finalized, the stage is set for an exciting new chapter in Treysen Eaglestaffâs career, one that promises to be full of highâscoring highlights and transformative moments for South Carolina basketball.
