Jerzy Robinson, the No. 5-ranked player in the girls’ SportsCenter NEXT 100 class of 2026, has officially committed to the University of South Carolina. The announcement came on Tuesday, revealing her choice to join the Gamecocks under the guidance of head coach Dawn Staley.
Robinson expressed her enthusiasm during an interview with ESPN, stating, “I chose South Carolina because I had a sense of peace when it came down to the decision for me.” She emphasized the role of faith in her recruitment process, saying, “I was guided by my faith throughout my recruitment. I just consulted the Lord…we came to the decision that South Carolina was home for me.”
Robinson’s Journey to South Carolina
The 6-foot-2 guard from Sierra Canyon High School in California becomes Staley’s highest-rated recruit in the 2026 class, following commitments from No. 17 Kaeli Wynn and No. 18 Kelsi Andrews this fall. Robinson’s commitment marks her as the final five-star recruit in the class to choose a program.
In late October, Robinson made her official visit to South Carolina, having previously explored options at UConn and LSU. “When I visited South Carolina, I was already home,” she reflected. “I felt like this was where I needed to be for the next four years.”
The South Carolina Gamecocks, currently ranked No. 3 with a record of 12-1, won the SEC championship last season and made it to the NCAA Final Four. Under Staley’s leadership since 2008, the program has secured three NCAA titles and holds an impressive 89-game win streak against unranked opponents, the longest active streak in Division I.
Robinson’s Impact and Aspirations
Robinson’s journey has not been without challenges. Following a leg injury, she has returned to her role as captain of her varsity team, aiming to conclude her senior year with a championship title. Her ranking fluctuated during her junior year, dropping from No. 1 to No. 5, but she remains focused on her personal growth. “It’s not about a player dropping…some of it is about a player rising,” ESPN women’s basketball recruiting analyst Shane Laflin noted.
During her junior year, Robinson averaged 27 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. She later joined the U17 Sports Academy Swish team, one of 32 Nike Girls EYBL teams, where she averaged 24.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. “The rankings drop was really just a number for me,” Robinson stated. “My identity isn’t tied to a ranking.”
Robinson has also represented Team USA, winning three gold medals, including at the FIBA U19 World Cup this year in Brno, Czechia, where she averaged 7.7 points and four rebounds. Before transferring to Sierra Canyon as a sophomore, Robinson had a standout freshman year at Desert Vista High School in Phoenix. She is now signed with Klutch Sports Group and holds a notable NIL deal with Nike, becoming one of the first high school girls to receive a major shoe endorsement.
Robinson’s commitment to South Carolina not only highlights her personal achievements but also signals a significant addition to Staley’s already formidable program. With her talent and determination, she is poised to make a substantial impact in collegiate basketball.
