Breaking News: Utah Transfer Mike Sharavjamts Commits to South Carolina for Final NCAA Season
Mike Sharavjamts, the versatile 6-foot-9 guard famously known as “Mongolian Mike,” has officially committed to the University of South Carolina for his final year of NCAA eligibility, his agent Scott Nichols told ESPN. The former Utah Utes standout will bring a unique skill set and international flair to the Gamecocks as they prepare for a competitive run in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) next season.
Sharavjamts, a native of Mongolia, has become one of the most recognizable international players in college basketball. He first made headlines when he joined the Dayton Flyers in 2022, becoming the first Mongolian-born player to earn a Division I basketball scholarship. His combination of height, court vision, and ball-handling ability quickly drew national attention. After one season at Dayton, he transferred to Utah for the 2023–24 season, where he continued to develop his game against top-tier competition in the Pac-12.
Now, with one year of eligibility remaining, Sharavjamts is taking his talents to Columbia, South Carolina, where he will suit up for head coach Lamont Paris and the Gamecocks. South Carolina is coming off a promising season in which they made strides in the SEC and are looking to build momentum heading into the 2024–25 campaign.
Sharavjamts brings a rare blend of size and playmaking ability to the guard position. Standing 6’9″, he has the wingspan and frame of a forward, but he operates primarily as a lead guard. His passing ability, vision in transition, and unselfish style of play make him a valuable asset to any team. While at Utah, he showed flashes of his offensive potential and improved defensive awareness, making him a well-rounded addition to the Gamecocks’ rotation.
South Carolina’s coaching staff is expected to utilize Sharavjamts in a versatile role, likely as a point-forward who can initiate offense, spread the floor, and guard multiple positions. His ability to stretch the defense with his shooting and make plays off the dribble will complement South Carolina’s existing core of guards and forwards.
The addition of Sharavjamts is also a cultural milestone, continuing his journey as an ambassador for Mongolian basketball. His success in NCAA Division I basketball has inspired a growing fanbase in Mongolia and around the world. With increased visibility at South Carolina, Sharavjamts will likely continue to draw international attention and further elevate the global presence of college basketball.
His decision to commit to South Carolina signals both a strategic move for his final year and a statement about the Gamecocks’ rising profile in the recruiting landscape. With the transfer portal reshaping college basketball more than ever, South Carolina’s ability to land a high-upside talent like Sharavjamts reflects the program’s growing momentum under Coach Paris.
As the 2024–25 season approaches, all eyes will be on “Mongolian Mike” to see how he adapts to SEC play and helps propel the Gamecocks to new heights. One thing is certain: Sharavjamts’ journey is far from over, and South Carolina just became the next chapter in his compelling basketball story.
