Story perspectives

Five-Star Forward Oliviyah Edwards Commits to South Carolina

4/24/2026

Summary

Edwards Commits

Oliviyah Edwards, a five-star 6-foot-3 forward, committed to South Carolina women’s basketball on April 23, 2026.
She requested a release from Tennessee on April 4, 2026, visited South Carolina on April 14, and later signed a shoe deal with Adidas despite the team’s Nike uniform.
She joins top-six ESPN recruits Jerzy Robinson and Kelsi Andrews, transfer guard Jordan Lee, and seniors Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins.

Summary

Edwards Chooses SC

Jordan West said Tennessee recruited her daughter “really hard” and praised their effort.
The West family spent a week touring top programs, including Texas and Louisville, before deciding.
They chose South Carolina because its Gamecocks culture gave them the most confidence.
Edwards’ commitment adds to a line of Gamecock post players—A'ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, Kamilla Cardoso—reinforcing the program’s reputation for developing elite frontcourt talent into professional careers.

Summary

**Tennessee Overhauls Roster**

Tennessee added eight transfer-portal players, including five guards, after all eight potential returners entered the portal.
The Vols also signed 2026 recruit Irene Oboavwoduo from England and four-star wing Gabby Minus.
Edwards was runner-up in the McDonald’s All-American dunk contest and signed an Adidas shoe deal in May 2025 with former Lady Vol legend Candace Parker.
Former recruiter Gabe Lazo left Tennessee and was hired as UCF head coach on April 4.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA's 2016 recruiting rule changes allowed earlier communication with recruits, reshaping recruitment strategies in collegiate basketball. South Carolina's women's basketball program, led by coach Dawn Staley, has thrived under these changes, producing elite players like A'ja Wilson, who won the 2018 NCAA championship. Oliviyah Edwards' commitment highlights the program's ongoing success and the evolving landscape of women's collegiate sports.

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Edwards Commits

Oliviyah Edwards, a five-star 6-foot-3 forward, committed to South Carolina women’s basketball on April 23, 2026.
She requested a release from Tennessee on April 4, 2026, visited South Carolina on April 14, and later signed a shoe deal with Adidas despite the team’s Nike uniform.
She joins top-six ESPN recruits Jerzy Robinson and Kelsi Andrews, transfer guard Jordan Lee, and seniors Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins.

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