South Carolina basketball coach Lamont Paris has reached across the Atlantic for a big man. 6-11 Juan Fernandez, a 23-year-old Argentinian, has committed to/signed with the Gamecocks, according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express.
Fernandez has been playing in professional leagues in Spain since 2020. He also has Spanish citizenship. He’s also represented Argentina on various national teams.
In the 2024 and 2025 seasons with two pro teams in Spain, Fernandez averaged nine points and four rebounds per game.
Fernandez will be the eighth newcomer to the Gamecocks’ roster for this coming season, which now stands at 11. He will have two seasons of eligibility with the Gamecocks.
Incoming USC Recruits
MARCUS JOHNSON 6-2 CLEVELAND, OH
KORY MINCY 6-2 GEORGE MASON
CAMDEN HEIDE 6-7 TEXAS
ALEKSIS BIELIAUSKAS 6-10 WISCONSIN
SHANE BLAKENEY 6-5 DREXEL
JAKUB NECES 6-10 DUQUESNE
DAVION HANNAH 6-6 ALABAMA
JUAN FERNANDEZ 6-11 SPAIN
A European 6-11 Pro Basketball player that averages 9 points and 4 rebounds a game. ???? WHY??