Look: Adam Sandler plays basketball with USC Gamecocks before Columbia show
Before performing in Columbia, famous comedian and longtime hoops lover Adam Sandler got some shots up with the Gamecocks.
Sandler stopped by Carolina Coliseum and played basketball with the South Carolina men’s basketball team on Wednesday afternoon before his show at Colonial Life Arena as part of his “You’re My Best Friend” tour, according to posts on social media.
Sandler also shouted out the USC men’s team and fourth-year coach Lamont Paris during his Wednesday night show.
“Shout out to the Gamecocks,” Sandler said. “I got to meet the coach, a lot of the players. ... They were nice enough to not swat all of my shots.”
Sandler, 59, is primarily known for his work as a a comedian and an actor in movies such as “Billy Madison,” “Happy Gilmore” and “The Waterboy.” The former Saturday Night cast member’s movies have grossed over $2 billion worldwide.
But Sandler is also a big basketball fan — and a pretty good pickups hoops player himself. He’s gone viral numerous times over the years for walking up on random pickup games, joining in and making a few plays (usually while wearing his traditional outfit of a collared shirt and baggy shorts).
When Sandler goes on tour, he’ll traditionally try to find a pickup basketball opportunity with a local team or college. Last week as his “You’re My Best Friend” tour kicked off, he shot around with the NBA’s Miami Heat and the South Florida and Florida Gulf Coast men’s basketball teams, per various reports.
Sandler’s Columbia stop on his tour was Wednesday night at Colonial Life Arena, home to the USC men’s and women’s basketball teams.
This story was originally published September 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM with the headline "Look: Adam Sandler plays basketball with USC Gamecocks before Columbia show."
