South Carolina head coach Lamont Paris continues to strengthen the Gamecocks’ roster for the 2026-27 season. After a disappointing 13-19 record last season, the team is looking to rebuild a stronger lineup and prove itself in the upcoming season.
A 6-foot-11 forward from Argentina, Juan Fernandez committed to South Carolina on June 1. He is just 23 years old and has already played for five seasons in Spain’s Liga ACB (which is one of the strongest leagues other than the NBA).
During his 2025-26 season with Bàsquet Girona, he averaged 7.7 points and 4.4 rebounds.
He was also a key contributor to the Argentina basketball team during the 2025 AmeriCup, averaging 13.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per game and eventually helping the team win a silver medal.
The Gamecocks now have the opportunity to use his experience and rise in the SEC.
How Juan Fernandez Fits Into South Carolina’s Roster
South Carolina has undergone massive roster changes. After losing 12 players to the transfer portal and others having exhausted their eligibility, Paris and his staff are aggressively trying to rebuild their team through the transfer portal and international recruiting.
Fernandez becomes the seventh major addition to the team this offseason, joining players such as Kory Mincy, Camden Heide, Aleksas Bieliauskas, Shane Blakeney, Jakub Necas, and Davion Hannah.
Despite Fernandez’s achievements, scouts still believe that he has a lot more potential left inside. Joining a team such as South Carolina can help bring out the best in him.
Despite not doing that well in the last season, the team still has faith in Paris. In 2024, he won SEC Coach of the Year honors with a 26-win season record.
Now, he has another chance to showcase his experience and take the team to glory.
Landing Fernandez is a signal that South Carolina is willing to think outside the box. If the Argentine big man can bring his professional experience to Columbia and adapt quickly to SEC basketball, he could become one of the conference’s most impactful international additions heading into the 2026-27 season.
Whether this move turns out to be a massive or just another miss for Lamont Paris, only time will tell.
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