South Carolina Projected for Another Final Four Run as Staley Reloads with Key Talent
Dawn Staley has established a dynasty at South Carolina, guiding the Gamecocks to five consecutive Final Four appearances. If not for the COVID-shortened 2019–2020 season that canceled the NCAA Tournament, the streak likely would’ve stretched to six.
And now, according to On3 national analyst Talia Goodman, that streak is expected to continue through at least 2025–26.
In a feature published Monday, Goodman revealed her early Final Four predictions, and South Carolina once again made the cut. Joining the Gamecocks in her projected national semifinal field are Texas, UConn, and UCLA.
“While the loss of MiLaysia Fulwiley stings, they’ll return several key contributors, including Joyce Edwards, Ashlyn Watkins, and Chloe Kitts,” Goodman wrote. “Additionally, they made one of the best portal additions in the country with Florida State’s Ta’Niya Latson. The Gamecocks also added Madina Okot, a 6-6 post player, and two 5-star freshmen.”
A New-Look Gamecocks Team
South Carolina enters this season with some noticeable changes. Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, and Sania Feagin graduated, while MiLaysia Fulwiley transferred to LSU. Each departure represents a loss, but the additions of Latson and Okot address the team’s biggest needs.
Ta’Niya Latson, one of the nation’s most explosive scorers, gives South Carolina a go-to offensive weapon who can create from anywhere on the court. Meanwhile, Madina Okot adds crucial size and rim protection — standing 6-foot-6 — to a frontcourt rotation that lacked interior depth last season.
Staying on Top
This isn’t new territory for Staley’s program. Back in May, Goodman ranked South Carolina as her preseason No. 1 team for the upcoming season. In four of the last five years, the Gamecocks have started the season at the top of the AP Poll — and the one time they didn’t, they rose to No. 1 by week two and went on to complete an undefeated championship run.
With a mix of returning stars and high-impact newcomers, Staley’s Gamecocks remain the team to beat in women’s college basketball — and another Final Four appears well within reach.
