South Carolina’s once-dominant bench production has dipped this season, placing even more weight on the performance of the starting unit. And as the Gamecocks continue to search for their offensive identity, junior guard Tessa Johnson has risen into one of the most important players on the roster—steadily delivering the best stretch of her career.
The No. 2 Gamecocks (6-0) have long been known for their overwhelming depth under coach Dawn Staley. Last season, South Carolina’s reserves led the nation with 40.3 bench points per game, essentially giving Staley a “second starting five” waiting behind her starters.
But the picture is different this year. The bench is averaging just 18.7 points per game, a significant drop that makes Johnson’s emergence all the more crucial.
“Tessa is our rock,” Staley said on Nov. 19. “She is the person that is not pressing but she’s confident in her ability to go get a bucket when she wants to get a bucket. She’s just taking what the defense gives her.”
A Breakout Year After a Sophomore Setback
Johnson entered the season as one of the bigger question marks on the roster. Although sophomore Joyce Edwards and Florida State transfer Ta’Niya Latson were expected to produce immediately, Johnson’s trajectory was less predictable after an inconsistent sophomore campaign.
Despite improved stats last season, Johnson struggled to find rhythm. She scored fewer than seven points in nine SEC games and failed to reach eight points in nearly two-thirds of her non-conference outings. Staley even noted that Johnson’s freshman year had been stronger.
But this year? She looks completely transformed.
Johnson is averaging a career-high 13.7 points per game and shooting 48.4% from three, showcasing the confidence and polish Staley hoped to see.
“I think you’re seeing a well-rounded basketball player, very mature basketball player, that that is very confident in her skill set,” Staley said. “Whether she’s shooting the ball, passing it or her defense, (which) has been really impressive.”
According to performance coach Molly Binetti, Johnson posted some of the best preseason metrics on the team in speed, power, and conditioning—matching Latson in several categories.
“I feel a huge difference. I feel faster, stronger and just more comfortable in my body out there,” Johnson said.
The Engine of South Carolina’s Backcourt
Johnson’s smooth, fast shooting form has produced 15 made threes already, and her decision-making has propelled her to a 52.5% field goal percentage. Her blend of stability and creativity has made her indispensable in Staley’s evolving rotation.
She leads the team with 30.3 minutes per game and has played everywhere Staley needs her—from floor spacer to secondary ball-handler.
When sophomore Maddy McDaniel was suspended, Johnson slid seamlessly into a support role for point guard Raven Johnson, shifting from off-ball shooter to occasional initiator. Even when McDaniel returned, Staley continued to let Tessa handle the offense at times.
“We’re trying to get more comfortable out there just in case we’re down some bodies or whatnot. My comfortability, I’m getting better,” Johnson said about spending more time at point guard.
Even on nights when her scoring dips, Staley continues to praise Johnson’s overall game.
“Tessa’s stat line doesn’t really show her playing the right way,” Staley said after a nine-point performance in a 106-56 win over Winthrop. “Obviously we want her to shoot a little bit more than what she’s shooting, but she’s not forcing things. She’s playing really good basketball.”
A Guard-Led Gamecocks Team in a New Era
For years, South Carolina’s championship runs were powered by dominant post players—A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, Kamilla Cardoso. Every national title team featured a leading scorer standing 6-foot-4 or taller.
But this season is different.
Edwards leads the team with 19.8 points per game, while Latson and Johnson follow at 18.2 and 13.7, respectively. Staley’s offense is suddenly guard-driven, and Johnson’s growth is at the center of it.
“It’s very fun you can see it out there,” Johnson said. “We’re all having fun with each other and I think this is just a different kind of dynamic.”
What’s Next
South Carolina continues its early-season tests in Las Vegas at the Players Era Women’s Championship. They face Duke on Nov. 26 (4:30 p.m. ET, TruTV), followed by either No. 3 UCLA or No. 4 Texas the next day.
With the bench still developing, Johnson’s rise couldn’t have come at a better time. The Gamecocks’ path to a sixth straight Final Four may very well run through her hands.
