As the South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team gears up for the 2024-2025 season, all eyes are on the returning stars and highly-touted newcomers. But amidst the spotlight, a lesser-known player has quietly earned his spot on the roster - Weston Coggeshall, a walk-on shooting guard from Philip Simmons High School.

Unheralded Talent Joins the Gamecock Ranks

Carving a Path as a Walk-On

Weston Coggeshall may not be a household name, but his journey to the Gamecock roster is a testament to his determination and skill. As an unranked prospect in the class of 2024, Coggeshall joined the program this summer, determined to prove his worth as a walk-on. Despite the challenges of earning a spot on a Division I roster, the 6'2", 175-pound shooting guard has caught the eye of head coach Lamont Paris and his staff.Coggeshall's high school career at Philip Simmons High School was marked by steady production, as he averaged 6.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. While his numbers may not jump off the page, his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game has made him an intriguing prospect for the Gamecocks.

Filling a Specific Role

As a shooting guard-only player, Coggeshall's path to playing time may not be as clear-cut as some of his more highly-touted teammates. However, his skill set could make him a valuable asset off the bench. Coggeshall's primary offensive weapon is his perimeter shooting, as he has proven to be a reliable marksman from the corner and beyond the arc.While he may not possess the ball-handling skills to create his own shot consistently, Coggeshall's ability to knock down open looks could provide a much-needed scoring punch when the Gamecocks' starters need a breather. His defensive potential is still a work in progress, but his quick hands and active presence in passing lanes could translate to valuable minutes on the defensive end.

Competing for a Roster Spot

With the Gamecocks boasting a solidified top eight or nine players, Coggeshall and fellow walk-on Lance Piper find themselves in a battle for a deep bench role. The path to consistent playing time may be challenging, but Coggeshall's shooting prowess could force head coach Lamont Paris to keep him on the active roster.As the Gamecocks look to build on their record-tying 26-win season and second-place SEC finish, Coggeshall's ability to provide a spark off the bench could be a valuable asset. If he can continue to develop his all-around game and prove his worth in practice, the unheralded walk-on could find himself earning meaningful minutes and potentially helping the Gamecocks secure another NCAA Tournament berth.