In-state guard talks Gamecocks, recruitment process
Frank Martin and the Gamecocks are courting another in-state target as the staff was in visiting with Trae Hannibal, a 2019 guard out of Hartsville (S.C.).
Assistant coach Chuck Martin was at his school Monday to watch him practice and continue their talks that picked up a little over the summer.
“They talked a lot about how they’re going to need a great, strong guard like myself in that class of 19,” he told GamecockCentral. “They love my game and want me to come down and visit with family, see campus, take tours. They just want me to get familiar with them and build a good trust and foundation with them basically.”
Hannibal was first noticed on the AAU circuit over the summer, and that’s when South Carolina first started showing interest. It’s picked up recently.
The in-state target is also being recruited by Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Wake Forest and College of Charleston, among others.
He hasn’t been offered yet by the Gamecocks, but the 6-foot-2, 170-pound guard said South Carolina’s Final Four run last year really made an impression on him and his recruitment.
“That brought a lot of attention to me because I really didn’t think of them being a great basketball team,” he said. “But obviously Coach Martin has turned that program into a big family. Everybody plays together. I’ve been looking into that school for a while.”
He doesn’t have a timetable for a visit set up right now, but did tell GamecockCentral his next visit will most likely be to South Carolina to visit with the coaching staff and tour campus.
Chuck Martin has been his primary recruiter and Hannibal said the coaching staff likes his body type and size as well as his ability to get to the rim. He also said his basketball IQ helps him stand out to college coaches as well.
Martin’s been preaching family and building that at South Carolina, and that message is resonating with Hannibal.
“He’s all about family. I love family because I’m not a selfish player. Family is a big thing to me,” he said. “Being a family means a lot because people work together. That’s what I love. That’s what we’ve been talking about between me and Coach Martin.”
According to MaxPreps, Hannibal is averaging a double-double (19.8 points and 10 rebounds) through four games this year. He is currently not rated by Rivals.