Nov. 13, 2014

COLUMBIA, S.C. – University of South Carolina head men’s basketball coach Frank Martin announced on Thursday the signing of P.J. Dozier (G – 6-6 – 185 – Columbia, S.C. – Spring Valley High School) and Chris Silva (F – 6-8 – 205 – Roselle, N.J. – Roselle Catholic High School) to National Letters of Intent. The duo will join the Gamecocks for the 2015-16 campaign and both will have four years of eligibility beginning next fall.

Below is a brief capsule and quote from Martin on each signee.

P.J. Dozier – G – 6-7 – 185 – Columbia, S.C. – Spring Valley High School
Noted as one of the top points guard in the nation and a guard that has a great feel for the game … Rated the No. 21 prospect in the ESPN 100 and the No. 2 point guard … Rated as the No. 26 prospect overall and the top prospect in the state according to 247sports.com … Participated in the NBA Top 100 Camp … Also participated in the 2012 USA Basketball fall minicamp and was invited to the U-18 US National Team training camp … Father, Perry (1986-88), and uncle, Terry (1986-89), both played basketball at South Carolina … Sister, Asia, plays for the Gamecock women’s basketball team.

Martin on Dozier:
“I couldn’t be happier that P.J. Dozier has decided to stay home. Sindarius Thornwell, Marcus Stroman and Justin McKie, those guys have opened the door for local kids to believe in what we do and for P.J. to believe in what those guys did and believe in what we did makes me extremely excited. A 6-7 guard, who is a point guard, who knows how to play off the ball. He has the ability, just like Chris (Silva) to be a tremendous defender. We are super excited for what those two guys will bring to the table. They complement our team in ways that we need and we are lucky to have both of them.”

Chris Silva – F – 6-9 – 205 – Roselle, N.J. – Roselle Catholic High School
Noted as an explosive athlete, good shot blocker and rebounder … A four-star prospect according to ESPN.com … Rated the No. 5 prospect in the state and the 96th overall prospect in the ESPN 100 … A four-star prospect according to 247sports.com, and the No. 4 prospect in the state … Rated as the No. 21 power forward by 247sports.com … Averaged 8.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game during junior season in 2013-14 … Originally from Gabon.

Martin on Silva:
“Chris Silva is a 6-9 forward from New Jersey, who is an unbelievable athlete and fearless in how strong he plays. He can step out and shoot the basketball and block shots with the best of them. Chris is a tremendous young man who is fully committed to the Gamecocks. I couldn’t be more excited to add him to our front line, and add his athleticism, toughness and shot-blocking ability.”

South Carolina begins its 2014-15 season on Friday when it hosts North Florida at 7 p.m. ET at Colonial Life Arena. The contest will be broadcast on SEC Network+.