Where Gamecocks stand with local prospect Cam Scott headed into recruiting homestretch
Cam Scott’s recruiting stock continues to rise with his summer basketball schedule in full swing.
The Lexington High senior guard and S.C. Gatorade Player of the Year had a strong showing at the Pangos All-American Camp in Las Vegas where he captured co-MVP honors. Scott averaged 24.6 points per game and hit 56.6% of his 3-point attempts.
Scott followed that by attending Team USA mini camp against more high-level talent.
“Pangos, it was my first time out there and I wanted to go out there since I was little,” Scott said Friday. “I feel like for me it was an awe-inspiring moment to compete. I just went out there and pretty much played my heart out. It just felt right being out there. I had the right teams with me and great people coaching me.”
The 6-foot-6 Scott, who arrived back in South Carolina early Thursday morning, was back with his Lexington teammates this weekend and taking part in the S.C. Basketball Coaches Association live period event at the Rock Hill Sports and Entertainment Center.
Scott, the top-ranked in-state player in his class and ranked in the top 30 nationally, was the main attraction of the event. Both of Lexington’s games Friday against Lancaster and Gray Collegiate drew the biggest crowds of fans and college coaches.
South Carolina coach Lamont Paris and assistant coach Tanner Bronson were among those watching along with Alabama coach Nate Oats and Oregon assistant coach Chuck Martin, who began recruiting Scott when he was at USC.
Scott took an official visit to Oregon earlier this month.
“It was a great visit. I’m not going to lie to you,” Scott said of Oregon. “Coach Chuck Martin has been recruiting me since he was at South Carolina. Having that relationship and being able to get out to Oregon and make me feel really comfortable. They have a lot of things I can use to get myself better and work on my game.”
The Gamecocks are near the top of Scott’s list as they look to land another in-state product under Paris. He was able to sign GG Jackson for the Class of 2022 and then Arden Conyers and Collin Murray-Boyles for 2023.
USC coaches are constantly reaching out to him, and he had his official visit back in October.
“They are the backyard team and they are right there,” Scott said of the Gamecocks. “It is easy accessible to me and my family. ... It’s one of those things where you have to appreciate the little things they do for you.”
Two new teams have emerged in the pursuit of Scott in Southern Cal and Alabama. The Crimson Tide has done a good job in the Palmetto State, landing S.C. products Noah Clowney and Nick Pingle recently. Clowney is a potential first-round pick in this year’s draft.
Scott said he likes the pro-style offense the Crimson Tide runs. He said he plans to take an official visit to Alabama and then possibly one to Ole Miss in September.
New Ole Miss coach Chris Beard recruited Scott heavily when he was at Texas. Chris Flanigan is now on the Ole Miss coaching staff and recruited him when he was at Auburn.
‘Scott said during last season that he wanted to possibly commit sometime shortly after the NIKE EYBL Peach Jam event, which is in early July. But on Friday, he said a college decision is more likely in the fall, possibly in October before the start of his senior year.
As for the rest of the summer, Scott is looking to continue to develop his game as he gets ready for his senior season. He averaged 19.2 points, 6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.4 steals per game in helping the Wildcats to a the Class 5A Upper State championship.
“Honestly, I feel like I could get so much better.” Scott said. “There are a lot of little things I can do to take my game to a whole another level. I feel like if I tune everything up a little bit I could become such a better player.”
