Graduate forward Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk of the University of South Carolina has been honored as the 2025 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Men’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year, marking the first time a Gamecocks player has received this prestigious award since its inception in 2004.
Bosmans-Verdonk’s academic journey is nothing short of remarkable. He is currently in his third year at the Joseph F. Rice School of Law, ranking in the top 8% of his class. His dedication to academics is evident through his consistent appearances on the Dean’s List (Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024) and a perfect 4.0 GPA during Fall 2023, earning him a spot on the President’s List. He maintains an impressive cumulative GPA of 3.733.
Before joining South Carolina, Bosmans-Verdonk completed his undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Illinois in just three years. On the court, he has been a reliable presence for the Gamecocks, appearing in 28 games this season and averaging 1.2 points and 1.7 rebounds per game.
Beyond basketball, Bosmans-Verdonk has secured a post-graduate position at Sidley Austin in Chicago, one of the world’s largest law firms with revenues nearing $3 billion. He interned there over the summer and is set to take the bar exam in June.
His recognition as the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year not only highlights his individual achievements but also brings pride to the University of South Carolina’s basketball program. Head coach Lamont Paris and the entire Gamecocks community celebrate this milestone, reflecting the program’s commitment to excellence both on the court and in the classroom.
Bosmans-Verdonk’s journey exemplifies the balance between athletic commitment and academic excellence, setting a standard for future student-athletes to emulate.
