One of the toughest guards from the 2017 graduating class, David Beatty came to a close with his college recruitment on Monday evening. A 6-foot-3 combo guard that can do a litany of things in the backcourt, the Philadelphia native chose the University of South Carolina as his college destination.

A top-100 guard out of Imhotep Charter School, Beatty has been a coveted name throughout his time on the high school and travel circuits. A native of Philadelphia that completed a year at St. Benedict’s Prep in New Jersey before returning back to his home city this fall, programs had continued to heavily track the 6-foot-3 recruit regardless of his place of schooling.

Someone that has improved his shot making skills in recent months and has become a much better playmaker within the half-court setting, Beatty is the type of guard that can play practically all three spots on the perimeter and on either end of the court. A versatile defender that might be one of the top on-ball defenders nationally, consistent effort and a hardworking mentality is always in tow with the Philly Pride travel program product.

The need to replace its tough and productive guards in the backcourt this recruiting cycle with the likes of Duane Notice and Sindarius Thornwell, the Philly native seems to be the ideal replacement for the USC stars. Beatty should be expected to bring a giant chip on his shoulder to the Columbia campus next fall along with major versatility to the perimeter.

Choosing South Carolina over Georgetown, Maryland and Indiana, Beatty gave insight on what stood out to him about the SEC program. “Their coaching staff is good and they know what they want and what they’re doing,” he said. “Plus, it’s the SEC, so its bright lights every night.”

The fourth member of the 2017 class but the first coming from a perimeter position, Beatty joins a handful of talented and productive big men that include Ibrahim Doumbia, Jason Cudd, and Felipe Haase, giving Frank Martin a group of seniors chock full of toughness, versatility, and ballplayers that will buy into their roles from day one on campus.