Columbia, SC — Freshman guard Agot Makeer seized her opportunity in South Carolina’s SEC opener against Alabama, delivering an impressive performance that validated Dawn Staley’s confidence in her ability to replace injured senior Ta’Niya Latson in the starting lineup.
Makeer’s Statistical Contribution
Making her first career start, Makeer contributed nine points and four rebounds while demonstrating efficiency from beyond the arc, converting both of her three-point attempts. The scoring production provided exactly the kind of floor spacing and offensive balance that South Carolina needed with Latson’s 16.9 points per game unavailable.
Her willingness to take and make open shots prevented Alabama from collapsing defensively on South Carolina’s interior players, maintaining the offensive flow despite the significant lineup adjustment. The perfect shooting from three-point range reflected both preparation and confidence—essential qualities for a freshman thrust into a starting role in a crucial SEC opener.
Defensive Impact Beyond Statistics
While Makeer’s box score showed modest defensive numbers—one block and one steal—her impact on that end of the court extended far beyond what traditional statistics capture. Her positioning, communication, and ability to disrupt Alabama’s offensive rhythm demonstrated the defensive instincts and awareness that have become her calling card.
Makeer’s defensive versatility allowed South Carolina to maintain its aggressive defensive identity despite the lineup change. She pressured ball-handlers, executed rotations correctly, and provided the energy and effort that set the tone for the Gamecocks’ second-half defensive dominance.
Her ability to guard multiple positions and switch on screens gave South Carolina tactical flexibility that proved valuable as they adjusted their defensive schemes throughout the game. The freshman’s understanding of team defensive concepts—rare for a first-year player—allowed her to integrate seamlessly into South Carolina’s system without the communication breakdowns that often plague young players.
High Praise from Raven Johnson
Perhaps the most telling endorsement of Makeer’s performance came from senior point guard Raven Johnson, who plays alongside the freshman and has the best perspective on her contributions.
“For a freshman, I think her IQ is elite,” Johnson said, offering praise that carries particular weight given her own reputation for basketball intelligence and leadership.
Johnson’s assessment went beyond mere encouragement for a young teammate, addressing both Makeer’s individual excellence and how smoothly South Carolina maintained its standards despite losing a senior starter.
“I feel like we really weren’t missing a beat, but she brings something different to the table,” Johnson added, acknowledging that while Makeer couldn’t replicate Latson’s specific contributions, she provided complementary value that kept South Carolina functioning at championship level.
What Makeer Brings Differently
Johnson’s comment about Makeer bringing “something different to the table” reflects important nuances in how the freshman’s skill set diverges from Latson’s while still providing value:
Defensive Intensity: While Latson is a solid defender, Makeer’s defensive prowess represents her greatest strength, potentially providing even more disruptive presence on that end.
Athleticism and Energy: The freshman’s youth and explosiveness create different dynamics in transition and help defense.
Three-Point Shooting Confidence: Her willingness to let shots fly from deep—going 2-for-2—provides spacing even if her overall shooting percentages don’t match Latson’s.
Length and Versatility: Makeer’s physical tools allow different defensive matchup possibilities than Latson’s skill set provided.
The Freshman Factor: Elite IQ
Johnson’s characterization of Makeer’s basketball IQ as “elite” for a freshman represents perhaps the highest compliment a young player can receive. Basketball intelligence—understanding spacing, reading defenses, anticipating plays, and making sound decisions—typically develops through years of experience.
For Makeer to already demonstrate this advanced understanding suggests both natural instincts and exceptional learning ability. Her capacity to absorb coaching, process information quickly, and execute South Carolina’s complex systems as a freshman positions her for continued growth throughout her career.
This basketball IQ manifests in subtle ways: being in correct defensive position before plays develop, making the extra pass to create better shots, recognizing when to push pace versus when to slow down, and communicating effectively with teammates despite being the youngest player in the rotation.
Building on the Providence Performance
Makeer’s strong showing against Alabama built on her impressive return game against Providence, where she recorded her first career double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds) after missing five games in concussion protocol.
The consecutive quality performances suggest that her absence wasn’t just about recovery time but also about ensuring complete medical clearance. Now healthy and comfortable, Makeer is demonstrating the potential that made her a valued recruit and the capabilities that earned her rotation minutes even before Latson’s injury.
The Confidence Factor
Starting in place of an injured senior in an SEC opener could overwhelm many freshmen, but Makeer played with poise and confidence that belied her experience level. Her willingness to take open shots, make aggressive defensive plays, and assert herself in crucial moments reflected both personal confidence and trust from coaches and teammates.
This confidence likely stems from several sources:
- Practice Performance: Earning starting opportunities through consistent practice excellence
- Coaching Trust: Staley’s public and private confidence in her abilities
- Teammate Support: Veterans like Raven Johnson providing encouragement and guidance
- Previous Success: Strong performance against Providence validating her readiness
Implications for Latson’s Absence
Makeer’s excellent performance provides South Carolina valuable insurance as they navigate uncertainty about Latson’s ankle injury timeline. While the coaching staff and fans obviously hope for Latson’s quick return, knowing that Makeer can start and contribute effectively reduces panic about the situation.
The freshman’s success also creates interesting lineup decisions when Latson returns. Does Makeer remain in the starting lineup with her strong performances, or does she return to a reserve role? Can Staley find ways to maximize minutes for both players? These are good problems for championship programs to have—depth and multiple quality options rather than desperate searches for adequate replacements.
Long-Term Development
Beyond immediate contributions, Makeer’s performance accelerates her development trajectory. The experience of starting in SEC games, handling pressure situations, and succeeding in expanded roles will prove invaluable throughout her career.
Freshmen who successfully navigate significant responsibility early often make dramatic second-year jumps as they combine natural talent with experience and comfort. If Makeer continues this performance level, she positions herself as a cornerstone player for South Carolina’s future beyond the current season.
Defensive Identity Maintained
Perhaps Makeer’s most important contribution was maintaining South Carolina’s defensive identity despite the lineup change. The Gamecocks’ championship pursuits depend on their ability to pressure opponents, create turnovers, and generate transition opportunities through defense.
With Makeer’s defensive excellence, South Carolina avoided the defensive drop-off that often accompanies replacing starters with younger players. Her ability to execute defensive schemes, communicate with teammates, and maintain intensity for extended minutes allowed the Gamecocks to impose their will defensively in the second half—the pattern that has defined their season.
Conclusion
Agot Makeer’s starting debut against Alabama—nine points, four rebounds, 2-for-2 from three, and defensive impact beyond statistics—demonstrated that South Carolina’s depth extends beyond established stars to include freshmen capable of contributing at championship levels.
Raven Johnson’s assessment that Makeer’s basketball IQ is “elite” for a freshman and that she “brings something different to the table” captures both the young player’s impressive performance and the reality that South Carolina can succeed in multiple ways with different lineup configurations.
As the Gamecocks continue navigating Latson’s injury and the demanding SEC schedule, Makeer’s emergence provides both immediate solutions and long-term optimism. The freshman has proven she belongs on championship-level lineups, and her continued development promises even greater contributions as the season progresses.
For now, South Carolina can take confidence that even when injuries strike key players, the program’s depth, development, and culture produce players ready to step up and maintain championship standards. Makeer’s performance embodied exactly that reality—the next player up not just filling space, but actively contributing to winning basketball.
