DawnColumbia, SC — Following South Carolina’s commanding second-half performance to defeat Alabama in their SEC opener on New Year’s Day, head coach Dawn Staley met with media to discuss the victory, injury updates, lineup adjustments, and what the win means as conference play begins. Here’s everything the Hall of Fame coach said after the Gamecocks’ latest triumph.
On Ta’Niya Latson’s Status and Day-to-Day Approach
Staley addressed the most pressing question on everyone’s mind—the status of injured senior guard Ta’Niya Latson and the timeline for her potential return.
On Latson missing the Alabama game:
“No practice today, won’t play tomorrow,” Staley confirmed Wednesday, providing definitive clarity about Latson’s unavailability for the SEC opener.
On Latson’s potential availability for Sunday’s Florida game:
“We’ll take it day-by-day. I’m hoping, I’m praying. If not, we’ve got to keep going,” Staley said, acknowledging both the uncertainty surrounding the timeline and the team’s obligation to maintain standards regardless of who’s available.
The “keep going” mentality reflects Staley’s championship mindset—injuries are part of basketball, and elite programs must find ways to win regardless of circumstances.
On Latson’s condition and spirits:
“She’s smiling. She got treatment all second half and just walked out,” Staley reported, offering reassurance that while the ankle injury is serious enough to keep Latson out of games, her overall condition and attitude remain positive.
Staley’s Complete Response on Johnson’s Aggressiveness
When asked if she had specifically instructed Johnson to be more aggressive offensively or if the senior took that upon herself, Staley provided insight into both Johnson’s competitive mentality and her understanding of what different situations require.
On whether she had to ask Johnson to be aggressive:
“I just knew she would do exactly what she did,” Staley responded, indicating complete trust in her point guard’s basketball intelligence and ability to read what the team needs.
On Johnson’s approach to SEC competition:
“You know, Raven really gets excited about SEC play. She knows the importance of it; she knows that she does not like losing because she hasn’t done that a whole lot over her career,” Staley explained, highlighting Johnson’s winning pedigree and heightened intensity for conference games.
On Agot Makeer’s Starting Performance
Staley praised freshman Agot Makeer, who started in place of Latson and delivered an efficient nine-point, four-rebound performance while shooting 2-for-2 from three-point range.
On Makeer’s overall performance:
“With extended minutes, I thought she looked good,” Staley said, validating the decision to insert the freshman into the starting lineup for such a crucial game.
On Makeer’s conditioning and third-quarter play:
“She played the entire third quarter, and hopefully she can continue to stack days and connect days where she could help us,” Staley noted, emphasizing both Makeer’s immediate contribution and the importance of building consistency through consecutive quality performances.
On Makeer’s importance given injury situation:
“She’s going to have to help us, depending on what we hear tomorrow with Ta’Niya and how long she’ll be out,” Staley added, making clear that Makeer’s role has expanded from luxury depth to necessity given the uncertainty around Latson’s return.
The comments reflect Staley’s confidence in the young player while also acknowledging the reality that Makeer must sustain this level of play rather than treating it as a one-game occurrence.
On Defensive Adjustments and First-Half Struggles
Staley addressed South Carolina’s familiar pattern of slow starts followed by dominant second-half performances.
On first-half defensive issues:
“We were a little undisciplined,” Staley said frankly, acknowledging execution problems that allowed Alabama to stay competitive early. “Sometimes when we face teams like that, we get their very best, and when you get somebody’s very best you just have to ride the wave.”
The comment captures both accountability for South Carolina’s shortcomings and acknowledgment that opponents bring maximum effort and intensity when facing the nation’s No. 3 team.
On halftime adjustments: While specific defensive adjustments weren’t detailed in available quotes, Staley’s track record of transformative halftime coaching speaks for itself. Whatever she told her team during the break created the dramatic second-half improvement that has become a season-long pattern.
On The Team’s Response to Adversity
Staley discussed how the team has handled the constant roster challenges throughout the season.
On playing without key contributors:
The Gamecocks have started just five of 14 games with all 10 players available and finished only three games with the complete roster intact. Staley’s comments throughout the season about players “stacking days” and the “next player up” mentality reflect her approach to managing these constant adjustments.
On maintaining standards despite injuries:
Staley’s consistent message—”we’ve got to keep going”—encapsulates the championship mentality she demands. Injuries don’t change expectations or standards; they simply require different players to step into larger roles.
On Alicia Tournebize’s Potential Arrival
The highly anticipated arrival of 6-foot-7 French forward Alicia Tournebize continues being delayed by documentation processing.
On Tournebize potentially joining for the Florida game:
“I don’t know, maybe,” Staley said when asked about Sunday availability, suggesting that while paperwork remains incomplete, arrival could be imminent.
The uncertainty reflects the administrative complications of international student-athletes navigating visa, academic credential, and eligibility clearances—processes complicated by holiday timing.
Previous comments on Tournebize’s potential:
“Just super excited. I think we got a gem of a player. She is 6-7. Athletic. I mean, she’s 18 years old. She’s definitely going to have to get in the weight room to see Molly (Binetti),” Staley said earlier this week, expressing enthusiasm about the addition while acknowledging the physical development needed for sustained SEC competition.
On The Significance of Beginning SEC Play
Staley addressed what opening conference competition means for South Carolina’s championship pursuits.
On the importance of the SEC opener: While specific quotes about the Alabama game’s significance weren’t available, Staley’s career-long emphasis on SEC competition as the ultimate proving ground underscores how seriously she and her program approach conference play.
On maintaining focus through the grind: Staley consistently preaches about the marathon nature of SEC schedules and the importance of sustaining excellence over months rather than peaking early or losing focus during the grind.
On Individual Player Performances
Beyond Makeer, Staley addressed other key contributors in the victory.
On Madina Okot’s continued dominance:
While specific postgame quotes weren’t available, Okot’s continued production—her 11th double-double of the season—validates Staley’s confidence in her starting center. Previous Staley comments about Okot have praised her consistency, motor, and ability to impact games on both ends.
On Tessa Johnson’s scoring:
Johnson’s offensive contributions help fill the scoring void created by Latson’s absence. Staley’s trust in Johnson’s ability to handle expanded offensive responsibilities reflects the guard’s development and reliability.
On Raven Johnson’s leadership:
The point guard’s orchestration of the offense and veteran leadership become even more critical without Latson. Her postgame praise of Makeer—calling the freshman’s basketball IQ “elite”—reflects the leadership mentality that Staley has cultivated in her floor general.
On The Road Ahead
Staley looked forward to the quick turnaround for Sunday’s road game at Florida.
On the Florida challenge:
Playing at Florida represents a significant test, particularly with limited preparation time between games and continued uncertainty about Latson’s status. Road SEC games present unique challenges that require mental toughness and execution.
On building consistency:
The persistent pattern of slow starts followed by dominant second halves remains Staley’s primary concern. While the results have been successful, championship runs through March require 40 minutes of excellence rather than 20.
The Broader Message: Championship Resilience
Throughout her postgame comments, Staley’s overarching message emphasized resilience, adaptation, and maintaining championship standards regardless of circumstances.
On the “next player up” mentality:
Staley’s program culture demands that every player stays ready to contribute when called upon. Makeer’s successful starting debut validates this approach and demonstrates that South Carolina’s depth extends beyond established stars.
On not making excuses:
Staley’s refusal to use injuries as excuses—instead simply stating “we’ve got to keep going”—sets the tone for how her team approaches adversity. Championships aren’t won by the healthiest teams but by those who best navigate inevitable challenges.
On trusting the process:
The day-to-day approach to Latson’s injury, the patience with Tournebize’s arrival, and the confidence in players like Makeer all reflect trust in processes that have produced sustained excellence throughout Staley’s tenure.
What Staley Didn’t Say—But What We Know
Beyond the direct quotes, Staley’s demeanor, body language, and overall presentation convey additional messages:
Confidence in depth: Her calm approach to Latson’s absence reflects genuine belief that South Carolina has the personnel to maintain championship standards.
Urgency about execution: While pleased with victories, Staley’s consistent emphasis on first-half improvement indicates this remains a priority concern.
Long-term perspective: The championship mentality she’s built focuses on February and March, not just New Year’s Day victories.
Conclusion: Leadership in Action
Dawn Staley’s postgame comments following South Carolina’s SEC opening victory over Alabama demonstrated the leadership qualities that have made her one of college basketball’s elite coaches—honest assessment of shortcomings, praise for players who stepped up, refusal to make excuses, and unwavering commitment to championship standards.
Her “we’ve got to keep going” mentality, repeated emphasis on players “stacking days” of quality performance, and day-to-day approach to managing Latson’s injury reflect the championship mindset that has produced sustained excellence at South Carolina.
As the Gamecocks navigate the demanding SEC schedule with continued roster uncertainty, Staley’s steady leadership and championship culture provide the foundation for success. Her words after the Alabama victory—praising Makeer’s contribution, acknowledging defensive issues that need addressing, expressing hope for Latson’s return while preparing to succeed without her—capture the balance of honesty, optimism, and determination that defines elite coaching.
The message to SEC opponents is clear: South Carolina will continue competing at championship levels regardless of who’s available, because the culture Staley has built transcends individual players. And the message to her own team is equally clear: injuries don’t change expectations, every player must stay ready, and champions find ways to “keep going” regardless of circumstances.
That’s championship leadership in action, and it’s why South Carolina remains one of women’s college basketball’s most consistently excellent programs.
