Paris Inks Argentinian Big Juan Fernández

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Head coach Lamont Paris bolstered his front court with the addition of international big man Juan Fernández (Santa Fe, Argentina) he announced on Monday. The 6-11 forward signed a financial aid agreement to play for the Gamecocks in the upcoming 2026-27 season.

Fernández joins a six-man transfer class that has already signed with South Carolina: forward Aleksas Bieliauskas (Wisconsin), guard Shane Blakeney (Drexel), guard Davion Hannah (Alabama), forward Camden Heide (Texas), guard Kory Mincy (George Mason) and forward Jakub Nečas (Duquesne).

Juan Fernández – 6-11, 220 pounds – Santa Fe, Argentina   

• Recently wrapped up his fifth season playing in Liga ACB, the top league in Spain
• Spent the past two seasons playing for Bàsquet Girona ; in 2025-26, averaged 7.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 19.7 minutes per game ; shot 48.2% from the floor
• In 2024-25 for Girona, averaged 9.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 19.0 minutes per game while shooting 55.4% from the floor
• Represented Argentina in the 2025 FIBA AmeriCup in Nicaragua ; helped lead the team to the silver medal after averaging 13.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists per contest over six games ; shot 57.8% (26-of-45) from the floor and 38.5% from 3 en route to earning a spot on the all-tournament team
• Exploded for 36 points and 16 rebounds in an 84-83 group phase victory over Colombia (8/25/25) ; was 15-of-20 (75%) from the floor, 3-of-5 (60%) from 3 and 12-of-15 (80%) at the free throw line
• Saw action in 42 games in 2023-24 playing for CB Breogán ; averaged 8.5 points and 4.1 rebounds shooting 52.4% from the floor in 19.2 minutes per game
• After climbing through the ranks of Fuenlabrada’s youth system, spent two seasons playing for their first team in Liga ACB from 2021-23 ; made his first team debut in November of 2021
• Played for Argentina in the 2018 U17 World Cup and 2019 U19 World Cup ; made his senior debut for the national team against Paraguay in November of 2021 during 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers

Paris on Fernández
“Simply put, Juan is a ball player. He has a tremendous feel for the game and can make adjustments based on how the game is being officiated, how he is being guarded or what another player is doing on the court. Juan is very versatile as a big and extremely comfortable with the ball in his hands making plays. He can be a high level passer and playmaker, or he can be aggressive as a scorer as well. His game is well rounded on both ends of the floor and he is always in control. His experiences will translate well to the SEC.”

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