Jordan Lee’s Next Step, From Texas to South Carolina
4 minute read
By Andrea Aruino
Jordan Lee is an incoming 6’0” guard who recently transferred to the University of South Carolina’s, joining one of the most prestigious basketball programs in college basketball history. Before making this move she solidified her strengths while she was at the University of Texas, another program cemented as one of the greats. During her final season in Texas as a Longhorn, she averaged 12.4 points and 2.4 assists, while starting every game and doubling each of her stats from freshman year. On top of this, she brings Final Four experience to her new home as a Gamecock.
Coming out of Saint Mary's High School in Stockton, California, Lee was highly sought after by top Division I schools including University of Southern California, UCLA, Stanford, Texas University, and her current school, University of South Carolina (USC). Although what made Texas a no-brainer was the relationship that she had built with the coaching staff long before she had even graduated high school.
“They spent a lot of time just building that relationship with me and making sure that Texas was a great fit on and off the basketball court. It came down to the way they recruited me. It’s an interesting process because you're making probably the biggest decision at 17 years old but aside from being a great team, they had that foundation of a great culture that I wanted to be a part of,” Lee said.
The relationship that Lee talks about is what built her foundation for longevity and development as a young player. While she was a star at home in Stockton, she quickly felt what it was like to be “unsuccessful for the first time” in her career. Coming off the bench for the first time was a difficult adjustment for Lee, but this made her hungry to win like never before. One year made all the difference, Lee went from starting five of 30 games as a freshman to starting every game as a sophomore. It did not take Lee long to adjust, scoring 16 points in 27 minutes during her first Final Four appearance against USC. Texas returned to the Final Four the following season before falling to UCLA, 51-44.
These experiences are what made Lee the player she is today. Adjusting her game to fit within a renowned organization was one thing, but being successful in those spaces was another. She achieved endless accolades within two years that many dreams they accomplished towards the end of their career finishing with an overall record of 70-8. After reflecting on her time as a Longhorn she ultimately made the decision to take her talents and grow in other areas with the Gamecocks.
“I saw areas of myself grow, develop, stifle, whatever the case maybe, and as I was thinking, I thought there might have been a better direction for me to go and do things a little bit differently for my remaining two years,” Lee said.
Joining an organization led by Dawn Staley is an environment Lee knows she will thrive in as much as she did in Texas. South Carolina has a proven track record of developing talent that thrives at the professional level, producing stars such as three-time WNBA champion and two-time MVP A'ja Wilson, two-time national champion Kamilla Cardoso, and 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston amongst others.
Lee has used this offseason to prepare her mind and body for what is to come as a Gamecock. Coming into the UPBasketball gym for the first time has been a game changer in the way that she approaches workouts. The gym’s advanced technology has allowed her to take a more strategic approach to her training, while the UPB community has become a place she proudly considers her basketball home. Lee’s eagerness to learn was evident throughout her work with Coach Packie Turner and Coach Veronica Barrot, who took the time to understand her player profile before tailoring training sessions to her specific strengths and areas for growth.
“I admire how hard she goes every workout, from the minute her shoes are laced, she gives 100% every rep. She doesn’t need a play called for her, she can create off the wing and get to her spot with no hesitation, she is beyond an athlete and one of the most humble players I’ve worked with. I'm excited to see her grow as a player at South Carolina and for the fans to see the amazing woman she is off the court,” Coach Barrot emphasized
As she uses this time off to train and rest, she is still setting goals for herself before the 2026-2027 basketball season kicks off. She is focused on improving her scoring efficiency, while continuing to refine her overall game in order to seamlessly fit into South Carolina’s game plan. Ultimately the goal is to win a national championship and she is equipped with the skills and organization to achieve that.
