Nov. 19, 2013

COLUMBIA, S.C. – University of South Carolina head men’s basketball coach Frank Martin announced today the signing of Marcus Stroman (G – 6-2 – 170 – Columbia, S.C./Keenan High School) and TeMarcus Blanton (G – 6-4 – 185 – Locust Grove, Georgia/Luella High School) to National Letters of Intent. The duo will join the Gamecocks for the 2014-15 campaign and both will have four years of eligibility beginning next fall.

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

TeMarcus Blanton (G – 6-5 – 185 – Locust Grove, Georgia/Luella High School)
Averaged 14.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game during junior season at Luella High School in Locust Grove, Ga. … Helped Luella advance to its first-ever state tournament appearance last spring … A three-star recruit and the No. 8 prospect in the state of Georgia according to 247sports.com … Ranked as the No. 11 prospect in the state of Georgia according to ESPN.com … Labeled as a slasher in the halfcourt with a good mid-range game and a three-star recruit according to ESPN.com.

Martin on Blanton
“I’m extremely excited about TeMarcus Blanton. He is a 6-5 wing that is ultra-competitive on both ends of the floor. He fits exactly the kind of guard that we want to build our program around. He’s a slasher, a defender and an athletic finisher that loves every opportunity that he gets to compete.”

Instagram Video: Five Words from Coach Martin on Blanton

Marcus Stroman (G – 6-2 – 170 – Columbia, S.C./Keenan High School)
Averaged 16.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 3.3 steals per game during junior season at Keenan High School in Columbia, S.C. … A three-star prospect and the No. 2 recruit overall in the state of South Carolina according to ESPN.com … Also a three-star prospect according to 247sports.com and Scout.com … Part of Keenan’s 2009-10 and 2010-11 state championship teams … Labeled as a true point guard.

Martin on Stroman
“Marcus is a consummate point guard. He understands the position at his age as well as, if not better, than most. Every time I watch him play, I leave games thinking that the four guys with him are better than they actually are, because he is so good at making others look good. He is an ultra-competitive, hometown kid, who grew up a Gamecock fan, and we are extremely excited to have him become part of our program.”

Instagram Video: Five Words from Coach Martin on Stroman