Oliviyah Edwards, Tacoma's Basketball Phenom, Flips to South Carolina and Nobody Saw It Coming

Lincoln High School star Oliviyah Edwards dropped a bomb Thursday morning: she's committing to South Carolina instead of Tennessee. The five-star forward and No. 3 recruit in the nation had originally signed with Tennessee back in November 2025, but asked out early this month. Now she's headed to Dawn Staley's program as the highest-ranked recruit in the incoming class.

"Sometimes it takes twice to get it right," Edwards wrote on X, posting videos from a visit to Columbia. And honestly? That's a pretty mature way to own a big decision at 17 years old.

The Rise of "Big Oh"

Edwards, nicknamed "Big Oh," is the highest-ranked recruit to come out of Washington state in recent history. This 6-foot-3 forward was one of only eight women's high school basketball players to land an NIL deal with adidas last May, which tells you everything you need to know about her level.

She started her high school career at Lincoln, where she could already dunk as a freshman. Then she transferred to Elite Prep Academy in Issaquah for two seasons before returning to Lincoln for her senior year. Lincoln coach Melanie Jones watched Edwards' entire journey, coaching her in ninth and twelfth grade, and the difference was obvious: more strength, more control, more everything.

More Than Just a Hooper

Jones had nothing but praise for Edwards as a person. "People always ask me about the basketball stuff, but Oliviyah is very artistic," Jones said. Edwards is a self-taught tattoo artist who draws "freehanded unbelievably." Off the court, she's a great big sister to her two younger siblings and shows up for them constantly.

"She's a great athlete, but she's a much better human being," Jones said. Edwards came back to Lincoln specifically for All-American candidacy, which Elite Prep couldn't offer. She made that goal happen, starting in the McDonald's All-American Game for the West team with eight points, 14 rebounds, two blocks, and a steal (though the West lost 91-71 to the East).

Edwards averaged 30 points, 22 rebounds, five blocks, and four assists per game during her senior season. In her final high school game during the Class 3A state tournament regional round, she dropped 38 points, but Lincoln fell 57-50 to Lakeside. Jones called Edwards' South Carolina commitment "very exciting," but also admitted seeing the growth. "She's really grown up," Jones said. "I've seen her mature as a student athlete and a young lady."

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.