Former Gamecock Maryam Dauda Begins Her Next Journey in Italy
Former South Carolina Gamecock Maryam Dauda is entering a new chapter of her basketball career, moving from the college game and international competition with Nigeria into professional basketball in Italy.
The Italian club San Martino di Lupari welcomed Dauda to the country, announcing her arrival as she prepares to officially begin her time with Alama San Martino.
The club shared a warm message celebrating her arrival:
“Benvenuta in Italia, Maryam Dauda!”
The post noted that Dauda had completed her commitments with the Nigerian national team at the Women’s Basketball World Cup before making the journey to Italy. After traveling from South Carolina to the international stage and then onward to San Martino di Lupari, the former Gamecock is now ready to begin life in a new basketball environment.
From South Carolina to the International Stage
Dauda’s latest move represents another step in a basketball journey that has taken her from college basketball in the United States to the international game and now to professional basketball overseas.
Before arriving in Italy, Dauda represented Nigeria at the Women’s Basketball World Cup, giving her an opportunity to compete against some of the world’s top players.
The Italian club had previously highlighted her international opportunity while looking ahead to the tournament, writing:
“The women’s basketball World Cup starts on Friday in Germany!”
The club specifically pointed to Dauda as one of its players to watch, noting that she would wear the Nigeria jersey before making her way to Italy.
“Our Maryam Dauda will indeed take the field, ready to have a great international experience before arriving in San Martin.”
That international experience provides an important bridge between her college career and her professional future. Playing for Nigeria also gives Dauda exposure to a different style of basketball while competing on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
A New Beginning With Alama
Now, the focus shifts to San Martino di Lupari, where Dauda will begin her professional adventure wearing the Alama jersey.
The club’s welcome message captured the significance of the moment, saying Dauda had arrived:
“ready to officially begin her journey in the Alama jersey!”
For Dauda, the move is about more than simply joining another team. It represents an opportunity to establish herself in European basketball, learn a new system and continue developing her game against experienced professional competition.
Her arrival also gives the Italian club a player with experience in the highly competitive American college system and international basketball.
Italy’s World Cup Connection
Dauda’s arrival comes at an especially meaningful time for the Italian basketball community.
The club also celebrated Italy’s return to the Women’s Basketball World Cup after 32 years, describing the occasion as:
“A special milestone for the whole movement.”
San Martino has its own connection to the Italian national team. The club highlighted Martina Fassina, Francesca Pasa and Jasmine Keys, three players who developed their careers in San Martino before reaching the highest levels of Italian basketball.
The club explained that the three players:
“took their first steps in the highest league”
while wearing the Lupe jersey before eventually establishing themselves at the national level.
Seeing those players together with Italy was described by the club as:
“a cause of great satisfaction and pride.”
That backdrop makes Dauda’s arrival particularly interesting. She joins an organization with a strong tradition of developing players while also becoming part of a basketball community that values both domestic and international competition.
The Road Ahead
For the former Gamecock, the next phase is now underway.
Dauda has completed her World Cup responsibilities with Nigeria, traveled to Italy and officially arrived in San Martino di Lupari. Her attention can now turn toward adapting to her new teammates, coaching staff and the demands of professional basketball.
The club closed its welcome with a message of support for everyone involved in the World Cup and its players:
“Good luck everyone, we will have fun following you and rooting for you!”
For South Carolina fans, Dauda’s journey will be one to follow closely. Her path from Columbia to Nigeria and now Italy represents another chapter in the continuing professional journeys of former Gamecocks around the world.
The next chapter has officially begun for Maryam Dauda — this time in the Alama jersey.
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