The French Connection Is About to Change Everything
South Carolina’s roster just got a major international upgrade, and Texas has zero idea what’s about to hit them. Allie Tournebize, the 6-7 forward from Vichy, France, is set to make her highly anticipated Gamecock debut Thursday night after an intensive crash course from Dawn Staley’s coaching staff.
From Pro Ball to Columbia
Tournebize arrives with professional experience from Tango Bourges Basket, where she averaged 2.4 points and 1.9 rebounds across eight games. But her resume extends far beyond those modest pro numbers. According to On3, she dominated the 2025 U18 EuroBasket Tournament with 12.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, showcasing the versatile skill set that attracted Staley’s attention.
Her international pedigree also includes competing in the 2024 U17 World Cup, where she contributed 3.3 points and 1.8 rebounds while gaining invaluable experience against elite global competition.
The Coaching Staff’s Master Plan
The Gamecocks aren’t just throwing Tournebize into the fire unprepared. On3 reports that following Wednesday’s practice, the entire coaching brain trust—Dawn Staley, Lisa Boyer, and Jolette Law—each spent individual time with the French forward, creating a comprehensive study plan to accelerate her integration.
CLICK👇TO WATCH 👇
“She looked good,” Staley confirmed to On3. “She’ll play. She’ll definitely play.”
On her Monday night Carolina Calls appearance, Staley gushed about Tournebize’s readiness and attitude. “She’s happy. She’s happy to be playing college basketball, although she was part of a pro team. She’s 6-7. She’s pretty skilled, and she can’t wait to get out there and represent our team and our university.”
The X-Factor Texas Can’t Scout
Perhaps most intriguingly, sophomore star Joyce Edwards highlighted Tournebize’s potential as an unknown commodity. “She’s smart, she catches onto things fast,” Edwards told On3. “Her defense is great. Offensively, she can shoot. She can space the floor out. I feel like, nobody’s played her, so it’s going to be hard to scout against her.”
That last point could prove crucial—Texas has meticulously prepared for South Carolina’s known quantities, but a 6-7 floor-spacing forward with professional experience? That’s a wrinkle Vic Schaefer couldn’t have game-planned for.
The Versatility Factor
Tournebize’s ability to shoot from distance (she made her only three-point attempt in pro play) combined with her 6-7 frame creates matchup nightmares. She can pull opposing shot-blockers away from the paint, opening driving lanes for Ta’Niya Latson and Joyce Edwards, or she can dominate the glass alongside Madina Okot.
“I’m just excited to see her out there playing,” Edwards added, capturing the anticipation building around Colonial Life Arena.
The French invasion begins Thursday night. Texas, consider yourselves warned.
Source: On3
