The Daily Gamecock

PHOTOS: Gamecock Nation kicks off the basketball season at GarNET & Black Madness

The South Carolina men’s and women’s basketball teams tipped off the 2025–26 season with GarNET & Black Madness at Colonial Life Arena on Oct. 21, 2025. Fans packed the arena for player introductions, performances by the Carolina Spirit teams and a live set by rapper Waka Flocka Flame. The night celebrated Gamecock pride with high-energy moments on and off the court.

American rapper Waka Flocka Flame raps on stage at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025. After several competitions between the men's and women's basketball teams, the night ended with a mini concert from the rapper.
American rapper Waka Flocka Flame raps on stage at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025. After several competitions between the men's and women's basketball teams, the night ended with a mini concert from the rapper.
USC mascot Cocky interacts with students in the pit at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. The event featured a showcase of the current basketball rosters and ended with a free concert from rapper Waka Flocka Flame.
USC mascot Cocky interacts with students in the pit at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. The event featured a showcase of the current basketball rosters and ended with a free concert from rapper Waka Flocka Flame.
Members of the USC Dance Team perform during GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. The event was a kickoff to the start of the basketball season at USC.
Members of the USC Dance Team perform during GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. The event was a kickoff to the start of the basketball season at USC.
Freshman guard Abu Yarmah walks across the stage at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025 at Colonial Life Arena. Yarmah scored over 1,000 points and was named River Ridge District Boys Basketball Player of the Year during his high school career.
Freshman guard Abu Yarmah walks across the stage at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025 at Colonial Life Arena. Yarmah scored over 1,000 points and was named River Ridge District Boys Basketball Player of the Year during his high school career.
Senior guard Raven Johnson walks down the stairs in front of the stage at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. Johnson ranks 10th in the South Carolina women's basketball program history for career assists and fifth in assists in SEC games.
Senior guard Raven Johnson walks down the stairs in front of the stage at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. Johnson ranks 10th in the South Carolina women's basketball program history for career assists and fifth in assists in SEC games.
South Carolina women's basketball team head coach Dawn Staley walks across the stage at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. This upcoming season will be Staley's 18th season with the Gamecocks.
South Carolina women's basketball team head coach Dawn Staley walks across the stage at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. This upcoming season will be Staley's 18th season with the Gamecocks.
Freshman guard Agot Makeer shoots a three-pointer during a 3-pointer contest at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. Makeer is originally from Ontario and previously played for Montverde Academy in Florida.
Freshman guard Agot Makeer shoots a three-pointer during a 3-pointer contest at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. Makeer is originally from Ontario and previously played for Montverde Academy in Florida.
American rapper Waka Flocka Flame performs on stage at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. Waka Flocka Flame has been nominated for several BET Awards and won one, in addition to being Diamond certified.
American rapper Waka Flocka Flame performs on stage at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. Waka Flocka Flame has been nominated for several BET Awards and won one, in addition to being Diamond certified.
Junior forward Elijah Strong runs a challenge gauntlet at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. The gauntlet was a team effort between teams consisting of a member of both the men's and women's basketball team.
Junior forward Elijah Strong runs a challenge gauntlet at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. The gauntlet was a team effort between teams consisting of a member of both the men's and women's basketball team.
Freshman forward EJ Walker performs a dunk from under his leg during a dunking contest at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. The contest was judged by members of the women's basketball team and rapper Waka Flocka Flame
Freshman forward EJ Walker performs a dunk from under his leg during a dunking contest at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. The contest was judged by members of the women's basketball team and rapper Waka Flocka Flame
Students in the pit dance to "FLEX" by artist CUPID at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. The pit was packed with students anticipating the concert of American rapper Waka Flocka Flame.
Students in the pit dance to "FLEX" by artist CUPID at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. The pit was packed with students anticipating the concert of American rapper Waka Flocka Flame.
American rapper Waka Flocka Flame performs to a crowd at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. Waka Flocka Flame performed many of his hit songs including "No Hands" and "Hard in Da Paint."
American rapper Waka Flocka Flame performs to a crowd at GarNET & Black Madness on Oct. 21, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena. Waka Flocka Flame performed many of his hit songs including "No Hands" and "Hard in Da Paint."