Former South Carolina Gamecocks standout Bree Hall is settling into her new home — and she’s making it clear in her latest interview that one thing is non-negotiable: defense comes first.
In a recent conversation shared by @tauihinz and @skysportnz, Hall opened up about how her years under Dawn Staley’s system at South Carolina have molded her approach to basketball moving forward. While she continues to grow her offensive repertoire, Hall emphasized that the foundation of her game — and the key to her future success — is rooted in the defensive mindset she learned in Columbia.
Carrying Dawn Staley’s Defensive Philosophy With Her
Hall credited her time with the Gamecocks as being transformative, noting that the defensive standards at South Carolina were unlike anything she had ever experienced before.
“It’s all about the defensive side of the ball from here on out,” Hall said, underscoring a lesson drilled into her throughout her college career. Known for producing some of the most disciplined and physical defensive units in the country, South Carolina gave Hall an identity she’s now applying daily in her new environment.
Under Staley, defense wasn’t just a responsibility — it was a culture, a badge of honor. Hall explained that this mindset has seamlessly followed her into her next chapter.
Adjusting to a New Home While Leaning on Old Habits
Hall’s transition into her new team has centered on bringing intensity, communication, and versatility — trademarks of a Gamecock-trained defender. Whether it’s switching across multiple positions, guarding elite scoring wings, or setting the tone with on-ball pressure, Hall’s impact is already being noticed.
In the interview, she highlighted the importance of being adaptable and reliable: qualities Staley demands from her players and ones Hall says she now holds herself to even more strictly.
Offensive Growth Continues, but Defense Leads the Way
While Hall has made strides as a perimeter threat, she admitted that offense remains a developing piece of her game. But with defensive identity as her anchor, she believes everything else will come naturally.
Her coaches and teammates have praised her work ethic and the experience she brings from a championship-caliber program — something Hall says motivates her to push even harder.
A Leader in the Making
Beyond X’s and O’s, Hall spoke about leadership and accountability — two principles South Carolina instilled deeply. She hopes to bring that same quiet confidence and professionalism into her new team culture, helping elevate everyone around her.
As she put it, the goal is to “take everything I learned from the Gamecocks and apply it every day,” ensuring her growth continues with purpose and direction.
What’s Next for Bree Hall
With a new chapter underway, Hall is focusing on becoming a lockdown defender, a consistent contributor, and a trusted teammate. If her early comments and mindset are any indication, she’s on track not just to thrive, but to become a difference-maker.
Her message is clear: the Gamecock standard travels — and Bree Hall plans to keep raising the bar.
