South Carolina Tips Off Preseason: Staley and Johnson Share Early Impressions
The South Carolina women’s basketball team officially opened preseason practice on Monday, and head coach Dawn Staley, along with star guard Raven Johnson, met with the media to provide their thoughts on the early days of preparation.
Staley acknowledged that the team is a little behind schedule with its offensive and defensive installations, largely because many players spent the summer competing internationally. Still, she remains encouraged by the progress. “We’re behind where we usually are, but I’m happy with how quickly we’ve been able to get things in,” Staley said.
When asked who stood out over the summer and looked poised for a breakout campaign, both Staley and Johnson had the same answer: “Everybody.”
Updates on Ashlyn Watkins
Staley also confirmed that forward Ashlyn Watkins, who announced in August she would miss the season, is not currently enrolled in classes. Watkins continues to rehab a torn ACL but has remained close to the program. “She’s still in frequent contact with us and has been around the team,” Staley said.
Building Chemistry with Latson
Johnson shared her excitement about reuniting with Florida State transfer Ta’Niya Latson, her former high school teammate. “It feels like we’re still in high school,” Johnson said, comparing their connection to the bond she shared with Kamilla Cardoso, whom she had played with since middle school.
Staley said Latson is still learning South Carolina’s system but emphasized her importance. “We needed someone with her talent,” she noted.
New Faces Making Early Noise
Both Johnson and Staley praised the impact of the newcomers. Johnson highlighted Madina Okot’s leadership on the court, saying she has been “vocal in practice.” Staley singled out freshmen Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell, impressed by how quickly they’ve adjusted to the college level. She also joked about their confidence: “They’re good shooters, and they’re not afraid to fire away.”
Gear Change: From Under Armour to Nike
Another big change for the Gamecocks is the program’s switch from Under Armour to Nike. Staley expressed gratitude to their former sponsor but looked forward to the transition. “Under Armour has been good to us, but I’m excited about the switch. I think it will help in recruiting because change always helps,” she said. Staley, who has been a Nike athlete for 30 years, laughed that she no longer has to buy new sneakers. “Now I can finally wear all the Nikes already in my closet,” she joked.
Johnson’s Growth Mindset
For her part, Johnson said her offseason focus has been on becoming more of a scoring threat. “If I’m a threat, it’ll open things up for everyone else,” she explained.
Non-Conference Scheduling
Staley addressed questions about the team’s non-conference slate, which some have called lighter than previous years. She dismissed any link to NCAA tournament seeding. “It’s hard to get teams to play us,” she said, adding that she prefers to use those games to support programs like HBCUs or teams led by her former assistants, Fred Chmiel and Winston Gandy.
Coaching Tree and NFL Fun
Speaking of her assistants, Staley revealed how she recruited Wendale Farrow to her staff. “The selling point was simple—the last two people who had his seat are now head coaches,” she said.
Staley closed the press conference with a lighter moment, insisting she never doubted the Los Angeles Rams would miss their game-winning kick against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. “I didn’t know it would be blocked and returned for a touchdown, but I never doubted they’d miss it,” she laughed.
With preseason underway, the Gamecocks are already shaping their identity—a mix of returning veterans, talented newcomers, and a coach who remains focused on both growth and fun.
