**Breaking News: 5-Star Power Forward Stuns College Basketball World by Rejecting \$8.7 Million, Decommits from Michigan and Flips to South Carolina Over LSU and Florida State**
In a bombshell move that has sent shockwaves through the world of college basketball, 5-star power forward Amari Gaines has decommitted from the Michigan Wolverines and flipped her commitment to the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball program — turning down a reported \$8.7 million NIL package from a combination of powerhouse suitors, including LSU and Florida State.
The 6’3″ phenom, ranked among the top three players in the 2025 class, made her announcement Thursday evening via a brief but impactful social media post. “Home isn’t just about money. It’s about legacy. I’m going where champions are made — #GoGamecocks,” she wrote.
### A Recruiting Earthquake
Gaines’ recruitment had been one of the most closely followed in recent memory. Originally committed to Michigan, she was expected to be a cornerstone of the Wolverines’ rebuilding efforts. But whispers of discontent surfaced in recent weeks, culminating in her surprise decommitment.
Insiders say Gaines had been heavily courted by LSU’s Kim Mulkey and Florida State’s Brooke Wyckoff, both of whom reportedly helped orchestrate multimillion-dollar NIL offers to lure the star. Multiple sources confirm Gaines turned down a package estimated at \$8.7 million, a staggering figure even in today’s NIL-influenced recruiting landscape.
Instead, she opted for Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks — the reigning queens of women’s college basketball, fresh off another Final Four run and with a proven track record of developing WNBA-ready talent.
### Why South Carolina?
Though South Carolina’s NIL package is said to be more modest, Gaines cited a deep connection with Coach Staley, the team’s culture, and the program’s winning tradition as the driving forces behind her decision.
“Amari is the kind of player who plays for legacy, not luxury,” a source close to her family told ESPN. “She wants to be a part of something bigger than herself, and she sees that at South Carolina.”
The Gamecocks’ program has been a model of consistency under Staley, producing stars like A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and most recently Kamilla Cardoso — all of whom have gone on to shine at the professional level. Gaines will now step into that lineage, with a chance to etch her name among the greats.
### Fallout for Michigan, LSU, and Florida State
For Michigan, the loss is devastating. The Wolverines had centered their 2025 recruiting class around Gaines, and now must scramble to fill the massive void. Meanwhile, both LSU and FSU are reeling from missing out despite putting forward record-breaking NIL offers. Kim Mulkey, known for her aggressive recruiting tactics, reportedly made Gaines her top priority after Angel Reese’s departure.
Gaines’ decision also highlights a significant cultural shift in the NIL era: top athletes are increasingly valuing coaching, culture, and long-term development over short-term financial gain.
### The Bigger Picture
This move is not just about one player — it’s a statement. In an era where NIL deals dominate headlines, Amari Gaines’ choice reminds the sports world that, for some, the game still comes first.
With her commitment, South Carolina’s 2025 class now ranks No. 1 nationally, and the Gamecocks are poised to remain dominant for years to come. As for Gaines, the basketball world will be watching closely — not just because of the talent she brings, but because of the principles she represents.
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