South Carolina’s freshmen duo, Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell, have made an instant impression in their first season under Dawn Staley, and both credit their strong early performances to one key factor — their international basketball experience.
Global Experience Paved the Way
Before stepping onto the court in Columbia, both Makeer and McDowell were already tested against elite competition overseas.
In June, McDowell suited up for Brazil’s senior national team at the AmeriCup Tournament in Chile, before heading straight to Czechia for the U19 World Cup. Makeer joined her there as part of Team Canada.
Makeer averaged 10.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game in that tournament. Though she didn’t start for Canada, she was often trusted in clutch moments — even nearly winning bronze after stealing an inbounds pass in the closing seconds against Spain.
McDowell, meanwhile, carried a heavy load for Brazil, averaging 16.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 steals, and 1.5 assists per game. Despite facing stronger teams, she finished seventh overall in scoring and fifth in steals for the tournament.
The Transition to College Ball
Their late arrival to South Carolina due to those international commitments didn’t hold them back. If anything, it accelerated their adjustment to the college level.
“I think the physicality prepared me,” Makeer said before the Gamecocks’ matchup against Grand Canyon. “You’re playing with a lot of European basketball, so it’s physical. It got me ready to play hard and face different styles.”
McDowell echoed that sentiment, saying after the Bowling Green game:
“To be honest, it’s really not a big change for me. I’ve played FIBA ball; it’s very aggressive. I’ve played aggressive teams in AAU, and to me, it’s really not a big difference.”
Stepping Up When Needed
With Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins sidelined due to injury, South Carolina has just 10 healthy players, giving the freshmen early opportunities to shine. Coach Staley said she’s given them freedom to play to their strengths:
“I don’t want to put pressure on them,” Staley said. “They’re super talented and confident. Not very many instances when they look like freshmen. And when they do, they know it. They text me saying, ‘I’ve got to be better.’ That’s such a great quality.”
Makeer’s transition wasn’t without its bumps. After scoring 16 points in an exhibition against Anderson, she followed it with a rough outing versus North Carolina, committing five turnovers.
“Mentally, it shook me a little bit,” she admitted. “I’m glad I got that over in the preseason, and I’m ready to go mentally.”
And ready she was — Makeer has averaged 8.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks through two games, including a 12-point showing against Bowling Green.
McDowell, meanwhile, has looked comfortable from day one. She’s averaging 10.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals, showing off her shooting touch and defensive energy.
“I practice how I play,” McDowell said. “It’s about confidence — bringing what I do in practice into the game.”
Dawn Staley’s Take
Staley has been particularly impressed with McDowell’s maturity and reliability.
“Ayla’s predictable, and there’s nothing more a coach wants from a freshman than to be predictable,” Staley said. “She’s in the right places, she can shoot, and she plays it pitch-perfect.”
🔥 What’s Next
The young duo’s next test comes quickly — a rivalry clash with Clemson on Tuesday, followed by a tough road trip to California to take on USC, fresh off its upset win over NC State.
If Makeer and McDowell continue to perform the way they have, South Carolina’s blend of youth and poise could prove to be one of Dawn Staley’s biggest weapons in pursuit of another championship run.
