Grace Knox Decommits from LSU, Chooses South Carolina: Cites Three Key Reasons for the Switch
In a surprising move on the women’s college basketball recruiting trail, Grace Knox — a five-star forward from Etiwanda High School in California — has officially decommitted from LSU and committed to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. The 2025 elite prospect was once considered a cornerstone of LSU’s future, but in a shift that’s shaking up recruiting headlines, Knox has opted to take her talents to Columbia instead of Baton Rouge.
While Knox hasn’t laid out her reasons in full detail, her past interviews and recruitment journey suggest three major factors may have influenced the change: coaching philosophy, team dynamics, and program culture.
**1. Coaching Philosophy and Fit**
The player-coach relationship is one of the most influential aspects of a college athlete’s experience. Knox previously praised LSU head coach Kim Mulkey, describing her as someone who could push her game to another level. “I feel like Kim Mulkey will push me to a different level,” she said during her initial commitment to LSU.
However, things can shift during the recruiting process. A player’s perception of what kind of coaching best suits their development can change, and it appears Knox now sees South Carolina’s coaching staff, led by Dawn Staley, as a better fit for her goals and growth. Staley’s reputation for developing top-tier talent and fostering a player-first environment likely played a role in that reevaluation.
**2. Team Dynamics and Playing Opportunity**
Another key factor may be the intense competition for playing time at LSU. The Tigers have been on a recruiting tear, securing commitments from several top players in the 2025 class, including ZaKiyah Johnson, Divine Bourrage, and Bella Hines. With such a loaded roster, Knox might have faced a tougher path to consistent minutes and a leading role.
At South Carolina, Knox may see a clearer path to making an immediate impact. The Gamecocks, who consistently compete for national titles under Coach Staley, have a system known for developing versatile forwards like Knox, potentially offering her a more prominent role in the rotation.
**3. Program Culture and Environment**
Knox has emphasized in the past how much she values comfort, community, and authenticity in a program. During her visit to LSU, she said, “I felt very comfortable with everybody throughout the whole entire trip.” However, culture isn’t static — and the feel of a program can change from afar or during ongoing communication.
South Carolina has long been praised for its family-oriented culture, built on trust, player empowerment, and strong mentorship under Staley. That environment may have aligned more closely with Knox’s personal values as she looked ahead to the next chapter of her career.
**Looking Ahead**
Grace Knox’s decision is not just a win for South Carolina — it also signals a potential shift in the recruiting landscape for the 2025 class. Her move could inspire other top prospects to reevaluate their commitments based on fit and long-term development, rather than just rankings or initial impressions.
As Knox prepares to join a powerhouse Gamecocks program, all eyes will be on how she integrates into Staley’s system and the impact she’ll have both on and off the court. One thing’s for sure: wherever Grace Knox goes, she’s going to make waves.
