Columbia, SC – In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the collegiate women’s basketball recruiting landscape, Tonie Morgan, the No. 1 ranked player in the 2025 class according to some scouting services, has flipped her commitment from the University of Kentucky to the University of South Carolina. The news broke late Sunday night, sending Gamecock fans into a frenzy and leaving the Wildcats faithful reeling.
Morgan, a dynamic 5-foot-9 point guard out of Tallahassee, Florida, had been a prized commit for Kentucky and head coach Kenny Brooks since April 17, 2025. Her decision to initially pledge to the Wildcats was seen as a major coup for the program, especially with the departure of star point guard Georgia Amoore to the WNBA. Morgan, a transfer from Georgia Tech, where she earned All-ACC honors multiple times, was expected to immediately step in and lead the Kentucky offense.
However, the allure of Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks proved too strong. Staley, a Naismith Hall of Fame coach, has built a dynasty in Columbia, leading the Gamecocks to three national championships (2017, 2022, 2024) and consistently ranking among the nation’s elite. South Carolina is coming off a historic undefeated 2024-2025 season, and the opportunity to play for a program with such sustained success and national prominence is undoubtedly a significant draw for any top recruit.
The flip comes as a surprise, particularly given Morgan’s recent visit to Kentucky and the seemingly strong relationship she had built with Coach Brooks and the program. Reports even surfaced of Morgan and Amoore crossing paths at the airport, exchanging a selfie that was sent to the Kentucky coach, symbolizing a passing of the torch at the point guard position.
While the exact reasons for Morgan’s change of heart remain undisclosed, the prestige and track record of South Carolina under Staley are likely key factors. The Gamecocks have consistently attracted top talent and developed players into WNBA stars. The opportunity to compete for national championships year after year in front of a passionate fanbase is a unique proposition.
This recruiting coup further solidifies South Carolina’s already impressive 2025 class. The Gamecocks have already secured commitments from five-star guard Agot Makeer and top-25 forward Ayla McDowell. The addition of Morgan, considered one of the top players in the nation, elevates this class to potentially the best in the country.
For Kentucky, this de-commitment is a significant blow. Coach Brooks now faces the challenge of finding another high-caliber point guard to fill the void left by Amoore and now Morgan. The transfer portal remains an option, and the Wildcats will need to act swiftly to address this critical need.
The impact of Morgan’s decision will be felt throughout the SEC and the national women’s basketball landscape. South Carolina’s dominance looks set to continue, while Kentucky will need to regroup and adjust its recruiting strategy. The college basketball world will be watching closely to see how both programs navigate this unexpected turn of events.
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