South Carolina fans flocked to the GarNET and Black Madness event for a preseason evening full of free fun: fan games, team competitions and a performance by rapper Waka Flocka Flame.

University of South Carolina men’s and women’s basketball fans celebrated the beginning of the 2025–26 season at Colonial Life Arena on Oct. 21.

Fans in the full house had the chance to participate in games for prizes and giveaways from sponsors before the players took the court. Thomas Hastings, a USC freshman, was one of the participants in the student basketball “knockout” shooting challenge, and said it was a fun way to prepare the crowd for the teams to come out.

“I grew up watching a lot of Gamecock basketball, but I never thought I would get a chance to be on the court,” Hastings said. “It was the perfect pregame before the players got on the court. And I could tell it really made fans lock in.”

GarNET and Black Madness not only builds anticipation for the coming season, but also brings fans closer to the teams they love, said Wesley Mallette, deputy athletics director.

“For us, this event was about more than just basketball,” Mallette said. “It’s about creating great experiences and helping fans feel like they’re part of something special. When people walk away saying, ‘That was incredible — we need to do this again,’ that’s when we know we’ve succeeded.”

This was the first GarNET and Black Madness of its kind in nearly a decade. The turnout reflected fans’ anticipation.

The 2025–26 players were introduced, followed by a handful all-star style competitions — from a 3-point shootout to a skills challenge and a dunk contest — each moment drawing roars of excitement from the crowd.

“We wanted fans to see our teams outside of competition and to do it in a way that’s fun, exciting and engaging,” Mallette said. “We wanted something that builds relationships between our student-athletes, campus and the community.”

The men’s team introduced 11 new players — six transfers and five freshmen, including four-star recruit Eli Ellis. The Gamecocks also showcased the return of Meechie Johnson, a 2024 Second Team All-SEC player.

The women’s team welcomed back seven players from the team’s 2024–25 NCAA runner-up team, including top scorers and rebounders Joyce Edwards and Chloe Kitts, along with veteran guards Raven Johnson and Tessa Johnson. New faces and promising talent includes former Florida Seminole Ta’Niya Latson, the 2024–25 NCAA scoring leader, and two top-15 freshmen: Agot Makeer, ranked No. 6, and Ayla McDowell, No. 15.

The excitement peaked as the night came to a close with Waka Flocka Flame’s high-energy performance. The feeling in the building was incredible, said Joe O’Clair, associate athletic director for marketing and fan experience.

“We wanted someone like Waka Flocka who could bring that same energy, someone fans of all ages knew and could connect with,” O’Clair said. “He ended up being the perfect fit.”