In the high-stakes world of women’s college basketball recruiting, commitments can often be fluid, with top prospects fielding numerous offers and facing constant pressure to reconsider their choices. However, the unwavering commitment of Agot Makeer, a 5-star recruit and the No. 4 prospect in the 2025 class, to the South Carolina Gamecocks serves as a powerful testament to the allure of Dawn Staley’s program and the strong bond Makeer has forged with the university.1
Makeer, a versatile 6-foot-1 combo guard hailing from Canada but playing her senior year at Montverde Academy in Florida, initially pledged her allegiance to South Carolina on March 1st, 2025.2 This decision was a significant coup for Staley, as Makeer is widely considered one of the most talented players in her class, possessing a dynamic skillset that allows her to impact the game in multiple ways.3 Her ability to play both guard positions and even slide into a small forward role, coupled with her competitive nature and strong work ethic, made her a coveted prospect for numerous elite programs, including UConn and Michigan State, who were also finalists in her initial recruitment.
However, the recruiting battle didn’t end with Makeer’s commitment. The Texas Longhorns, a program with its own aspirations of national prominence, recently made a significant push to sway Makeer away from Columbia. Sources indicate that Texas presented a “jaw-dropping” offer, likely encompassing a lucrative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) package, in an attempt to flip her commitment. In today’s recruiting landscape, NIL has become a major factor influencing players’ decisions, with some top prospects commanding substantial financial incentives.
Despite the enticing offer from the Longhorns, Makeer has remained steadfast in her commitment to South Carolina. In a resounding declaration of her loyalty, she affirmed that she is “100 percent locked in with the Gamecocks,” expressing her anticipation for a “wonderful trophy-laden career under Dawn Staley.” This unwavering stance speaks volumes about the impact of Staley’s coaching prowess and the culture she has cultivated at South Carolina.
Dawn Staley has built the Gamecocks into a national powerhouse, consistently competing for championships and developing players into WNBA stars.4 Her genuine relationships with her players, her commitment to their holistic development, and the program’s consistent success create a powerful draw for top recruits. Makeer herself has spoken about her strong connection with Staley, emphasizing the coach’s honesty and belief in her potential to make an immediate impact. The opportunity to play for a program with a proven track record of success, under the guidance of a legendary coach who prioritizes her players, clearly outweighs the allure of a potentially more lucrative offer elsewhere.
Makeer’s commitment further solidifies South Carolina’s already impressive 2025 recruiting class, which also includes 5-star wing Ayla McDowell.5 The addition of two McDonald’s All-Americans positions the Gamecocks for continued success in the coming years.6 Makeer’s versatility and scoring ability will add another dimension to South Carolina’s offense, complementing their traditionally strong interior play. Her length and athleticism will also be valuable on the defensive end.
The decision by Agot Makeer to turn down a significant offer from Texas underscores the enduring power of a strong coaching relationship, a winning culture, and a genuine connection with a university. While NIL will undoubtedly continue to play a role in recruiting, Makeer’s commitment serves as a reminder that for some elite prospects, the opportunity to compete at the highest level under a respected leader and contribute to a program with championship aspirations remains the ultimate prize. Gamecocks fans can undoubtedly look forward to witnessing Makeer’s promising career unfold in Columbia under the tutelage of Dawn Staley.
