South Carolina freshmen Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell have arrived at South Carolina after representing their respective countries at the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup. Makeer played for Canada while McDowell played for Brazil, with both failing to win gold, which ultimately went to a star-studded USA Basketball squad.
Upon their arrival, the South Carolina Gamecocks welcomed them with open arms and assistant coach Khadijah Sessions promised that fans better watch out for these two international players.
Listen to me when I say this Gamecock Nation ! YALL ARE GOING TO LOVE THESE TWO ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ https://t.co/0xovcYr46t
— Khadijah Sessions (@Ksessions_05) July 24, 2025
The Agot Makeer-led Canada made it all the way to the semi-finals but lost to Australia, 75-87. They then took on Spain in the bronze medal game but lost a very close contest, 68-70. As for Ayla McDowell and Brazil, the team did not fare as well, finishing third in Group C and losing several classification matches after.
While they are from different countries, both played high school basketball in the United States. Ayla McDowell being a five-star wing from Cypress Springs in Texas, while Agot Makeer is also a five-star recruit, coming from the renowned Montverde Academy.
Makeer is coming into South Carolina with a lot of hype, as the Canadian combo guard was ranked No. 4 overall from the Class of 2025, being the No. 1 combo guard from her class.
Agot Makeer Had ‘Good Relationship’ With Dawn Staley Before South Carolina Commitment
Agot Makeer has been Dawn Staley’s prized recruit from the Class of 2025. To many, it was obvious where the Canadian was going after her high school days wrap up, as South Carolina was the heavy favorite in getting her commitment.
Before she committed, Makeer spoke with On3 last August regarding the schools interested in her. Regarding South Carolina, this is what she said:
“I have a pretty good relationship with Coach Staley,” she said. “It’s one of the powerhouses of women’s basketball like UConn. It’s really cool to be recruited by them and I love what they do there for black women, especially. I really like that and I have a good relationship with the coaching staff.”
Agot Makeer only averaged 10 points and 5.7 rebounds during her senior year at Montverde Academy, which was filled with other star players. However, she played at Crestwood Prep in her junior year, and she averaged 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
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