South Carolina’s Shooting Concerns and Jerzy Robinson’s Breakout Performance
South Carolina showed flashes of promise, but its latest performance also exposed areas that need improvement. Free-throw accuracy, three-point consistency, and early-game rhythm stood out as key concerns, while freshman Jerzy Robinson delivered a performance that reinforced her potential importance to Dawn Staley’s team.
Free-Throw Shooting Remains a Concern
The Gamecocks converted 24 of 36 free throws, shooting 66.7%. With South Carolina expected to generate plenty of trips to the foul line throughout the season, turning those opportunities into points will be essential.
The team also struggled from beyond the arc, making just 5 of 22 three-point attempts (22.7%). Tessa Johnson provided the most reliable outside shooting, connecting on three of her five attempts.
Kelsi Andrews made her only three-point shot, while Justine Loubens converted one of three attempts. Those were the only three Gamecocks to make a shot from long range.
That performance was particularly concerning because perimeter shooting is expected to be one of South Carolina’s strengths. Jordan Lee finished 0-for-3, Agot Makeer went 0-for-2, Ayla McDowell missed all four attempts, and Jerzy Robinson finished 0-for-3 from three-point range.
There is no reason to overreact to one game, but the shooting numbers highlight an issue the Gamecocks will need to address before the regular season progresses. Better efficiency from the perimeter and the free-throw line could make a significant difference in close contests.
South Carolina Needs a Faster Start
The Gamecocks struggled to establish themselves during the opening quarter before gradually improving as the game continued.
One possible explanation was the extensive rotation. Dawn Staley used 10 different players in the first quarter, making it difficult for the group to establish consistent chemistry and rhythm.
Nerves may also have contributed to the uneven opening. Playing before the FAMs for the first time brought added excitement, and some players appeared eager to make a strong first impression.
South Carolina looked more settled in the second quarter, with further improvement after halftime. Staley reduced the frequency of substitutions, allowing players more opportunities to build connections and play with greater confidence.
These exhibition games provide valuable preparation beyond basketball tactics. Becoming comfortable with the arena, the crowd, and the demands of competition can help the team enter its regular-season games with greater composure.
Jerzy Robinson Makes a Powerful Statement
Jerzy Robinson may not have received as much offseason attention as some of South Carolina’s other newcomers, but her performance offered a reminder of what she can contribute.
Her arrival lacked some of the extended recruiting drama that can surround highly rated prospects, and she did not play in the exhibition against College of Charleston. Nevertheless, Friday’s showing demonstrated why she could become one of the most impactful freshmen on the roster.
Robinson’s physical strength and versatility make her a difficult matchup. Her size for a guard allows her to operate across several positions, creating opportunities to exploit mismatches against different opponents.
Her confidence is another valuable quality. However, one area for continued development is recognizing when to trust her teammates rather than trying to solve every difficult situation herself. There were moments when moving the ball to an available teammate would have been a better option than dribbling into pressure.
That decision-making will become increasingly important as she adjusts to the speed and complexity of college basketball.
Robinson’s impressive numbers
Points
17
Tied for team-high
Rebounds
11
Game-high
Assists
5
Steals
2
Free throws: 5-for-7
Robinson finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and two steals, tying for the team scoring lead while topping every player in rebounds and assists. Her contribution across multiple statistical categories demonstrated that her impact extended well beyond scoring.
After the game, Staley praised Robinson’s ability to deliver in a major moment and contribute in different ways.
“I like what Jerzy was doing,” Staley said. “Jerzy is someone that has big-game capability (and) had a big game tonight. Did it in a lot of different ways.”
Final Takeaway
South Carolina has reasons to be encouraged, but the performance also revealed areas requiring attention. Improved free-throw shooting, greater perimeter accuracy, and a more settled opening quarter should be priorities as the team prepares for the regular season.
Robinson, meanwhile, emerged as one of the most encouraging stories. Her combination of strength, versatility, rebounding, and playmaking suggests she could become a significant contributor early in her college career. If she continues to refine her decision-making and plays confidently within the team’s system, she could become an important piece of Staley’s 2026–27 squad.
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