A Skill Set Breakdown Of Recent Gamecock Commit Hayden Assemian

South Carolina's Basketball program is getting a very polished player in Hayden Assemian, whose stock could rise even more heading into his junior season.

Hayden Assemian, a South Carolina native and Powdersville HS product, became the Gamecocks' first commitment for the 2025 recruiting class this past Tuesday; now let's look at the 6-foot-8 power forward's skill set.

Work Ethic

Let's start with the number one reason why all high-major recruits are in the position they're in: the work. Assemain is a student-athlete who definitely puts in the work. In Assemian's docs-series on YouTube, "The Offseason", his mother elaborated on his work ethic.

"I would say Hayden has exceeded where he is right now. He is non-stop at the gym, playing ball every day. He is somewhere with that ball in his hands," said his Mother, Abby. "I've seen such a change in him and a drive. I know that if he stays focused on his goals and what he wants, the sky is the limit," she added.

His Motor

Assemian's motor was the first thing he brought up when asked what South Carolina liked about his game. The 150th-ranked player is determined to grab every offensive rebound and score the bucket with a dunk. Even when you turn on his film, his relentless effort to crash the boards and run the floor is what immediately catches your attention. With his maturation, the Greenville, SC native has added to his motor on the defensive end, especially in the paint, forcing defenders to think twice before attacking the basket.

Ball Handling/ Post Presence

Efficient ball-handling ability has become a staple for big men in today's age of positionless basketball. Checking that box off, Assemian, on multiple occasions, even at this summer's Peach Jam, displayed the ability to spearhead fast breaks, either scoring the basketball or making the right pass to an open team-mate.

For a kid who has likely been taller than his classmates for most of his life, Assemian is no stranger to dominating smaller opponents with his larger frame, but as of late, his post-game has become more polished, as he's begun displaying sophisticated post fades, turn-around jumpers, and up-and-unders thanks to his improved footwork.

Overview

Gamecock basketball enthusiasts should be delighted with this commitment. Assemian can be a dominant force utilizing his motor and physical prowess alone, but he'll have to continue to improve on his jump shot as well as improve his ability to be more efficient as a face-up player in order to reach his full potential. Nonetheless, I firmly believe his stock will rise due to his off-season improvements this summer.

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