Nov. 10, 2010

COLUMBIA, S.C. – University of South Carolina head women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley announced that Elem Ibiam (Fayetteville, Ga./Fayette County) has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University and play basketball for the Gamecocks. She will have four years of eligibility beginning with the 2011-12 academic year.

“We are so pleased Elem is joining our Gamecock family,” Staley said. “She will provide much needed help in the post. Her size and ability instantly makes us better.”

The 6-foot-3 Ibiam is rated among the top 15 post players in the 2011 class by ESPN HoopGurlz and is the overall No. 57 recruit in the class according to Blue Star Basketball. Her 7.7 points, 10.3 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game as a junior earned her a spot on the All-Metro Southside Second Team as named by the Atlanta Journal Constitution. She was named first-team All-Fayette County by the Fayette County News as well, helping her team to a fourth-straight Sweet 16 appearance in the state tournament.

South Carolina officially opens its 2010-11 season Friday night with a 6:30 p.m. contest against No. 5/6 Xavier at Colonial Life Arena.