Gamecocks Get Bigger—Abu Yarmah Officially Signs with South Carolina, Reuniting with Former Teammates Ellis and Assemian
South Carolina men’s basketball just got a little taller, a little longer, and a whole lot deeper. The Gamecocks have officially added 6-foot-10 forward Abu Yarmah to their 2025 roster, a move that continues head coach Lamont Paris’s recent push to beef up the frontcourt. Yarmah, known for his shot-blocking instincts, length, and upside, adds immediate size to a team that’s looking to take another step forward in the SEC.
While Yarmah’s commitment had been rumored for some time, the word “official” has never felt more important. With the ever-evolving landscape of college basketball—filled with decommitments, last-minute flips, and portal surprises—nothing is guaranteed until the ink dries. Now that it has, South Carolina fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
But this signing is about more than just one player. Yarmah’s arrival marks a reunion. He’ll be joining former Combine Academy teammates Eli Ellis and Hayden Assemian, both of whom have also committed to South Carolina. The trio built chemistry and a winning culture together at the high school level, and now they’ll have a chance to bring that same energy to Columbia.
Ellis, a flashy scoring guard known for his range and confidence, brings a different skill set than Yarmah, but together the two represent a high-upside combination. Add Assemian, a versatile wing who can guard multiple positions and knock down perimeter shots, and the Gamecocks suddenly have a mini-pipeline from one of the country’s most respected prep programs.
Yarmah’s skill set is still developing, but the raw tools are undeniable. He moves well for his size, has good instincts as a help defender, and shows promise as a rim protector and rebounder. His offensive game is still catching up, but his athleticism and ability to run the floor fit well in South Carolina’s system. He’ll have a chance to learn and grow under Coach Paris and the staff while making an impact on the defensive end from day one.
This addition also speaks to the staff’s focus on recruiting players who not only fit the system but also fit each other. Building around existing chemistry from the Combine trio could accelerate team cohesion and development. That familiarity—both on and off the court—can be an underrated advantage, especially for young players adjusting to the pace and physicality of college basketball.
With the SEC growing more competitive each year, adding depth, versatility, and physicality has become a must. Yarmah checks all of those boxes. While he might not be the most polished name in the class yet, the potential is there for him to become a major contributor down the line.
More importantly, the Gamecocks are continuing to build a culture centered around toughness, chemistry, and development. Yarmah’s signing is just the latest signal that South Carolina is becoming a destination for talented prospects with something to prove.
And this time, it’s official.
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