2025 6-8 power forward Hayden Assemian made an unofficial visit to USC last weekend and Monday he announced an offer from the Gamecocks. Assemian said Gamecock coach Lamont Paris and staff started following him during the summer circuit and from there the interest continued to grow until they made the offer after the weekend visit.
“They really liked how I played and my motor and everything, so they started talking to me more,” Assemian said. “I went on the visit this past weekend. They could tell I really enjoyed being around them, and I did enjoy it down there. The culture down there, and I’m from here too, so I can understand. I grew up with South Carolina and Clemson. They could tell I really enjoyed it. The recruiting possibility is good with the school.”
The Gamecocks join Wake Forest as offers for Assemian from Power Five level programs. He said getting an offer from an in-state school, though, is extra special.
“It’s huge,” he said. “I’ve grown up with South Carolina and Clemson, so knowing that I have the opportunity to play at one of those schools that I’ve grown up around is huge for me. They are in a really good conference and play really good teams.”
Assemian said from his conversations with Paris, the coach likes the fact he plays all over the floor.
“I’m a positionless player,” Assemian said. “I play with a high motor and get every rebound. He offers guys that he knows that can help him in, so he believes that I can come to the Gamecocks and make an impact immediately.”
Clemson is also interested in Assemian, and assistant coach Dick Bender was scheduled to watch him in a workout Wednesday afternoon.
“I like that they are starting to get the program turned around,” Assemian said. “The Clemson coaches are also good as well. They’ve developed some good forwards like PJ Hall. That’s what I am, so I’m pretty sure if I were to go there, I’d fit in pretty well.”
Growing up Assemian may have had a soft spot for Clemson as a fan, but now as a recruit, his feelings have shifted towards Columbia.
“I was a Tiger, my mom was a Gamecock,” Assemian said. “I’m really starting to give more love for the Gamecocks recently. Right now, I’d say I favor South Carolina, but I haven’t been on all these visits and gotten to see the campuses and coaches in person and feel the vibe and how I feel about the school.”
Assemian also has offers from Western Carolina, Appalachian State, Hampton and George Mason. This past summer he also made unofficial visits to Tennessee and Furman.
Assemian played last season at Greenville Legacy Early College before transferring back to Powdersville. As a freshman at Powdersville, he averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds per game.
