Alicia Tournebize’s journey with South Carolina women’s basketball has been a steady climb rather than a sudden leap. The 6-foot-7 French post player has gone from watching early practices in sweats to being fitted for a Gamecocks uniform, traveling with the team, and taking part in shootarounds — clear signs that her debut is approaching.
Even though Tournebize has yet to log her first official minute for No. 3 South Carolina, there’s growing anticipation around what she can bring once she steps on the floor. The Gamecocks need frontcourt depth, and Tournebize’s size and versatility could immediately ease the workload on current centers Madina Okot and Adhel Tac.
Still, head coach Dawn Staley has made it clear that patience is the priority.
“We don’t want to just throw her out there,” Staley said. “(It would be) unfair to her to do that. But at some point, hopefully soon, we get her out there in a game.”
That balance — preparing Tournebize for meaningful contributions without overwhelming her — is central to Staley’s approach. While Tournebize has professional experience from her time playing in France, she was primarily used in a reserve role overseas. Transitioning to Staley’s system, where every player is expected to execute with purpose, requires careful development.
Tournebize traveled with South Carolina on consecutive SEC road trips to Florida and Arkansas, further reinforcing that she’s part of the team’s immediate plans. She was spotted working around the basket during shootaround in Fayetteville, a glimpse of how she’s being eased into the Gamecocks’ physical, detail-oriented style of play.
At her size, Tournebize naturally projects as a true interior presence. Her addition could provide valuable relief for Okot and Tac, allowing South Carolina to maintain rim protection and rebounding without overextending its current rotation. Offensively, the early blueprint for Tournebize may be simple: screen, seal, pursue offensive rebounds, and finish efficiently. Defensively, while Staley avoids leaning on zone schemes, Tournebize will be challenged to defend one-on-one, using positioning and discipline rather than just length.
A potential opportunity for her debut could come on Jan. 11, when South Carolina hosts Georgia. The Lady Bulldogs enter SEC play still searching for consistency, while the Gamecocks remain unbeaten in conference action. If the game flow allows, it could be the ideal environment for Tournebize to take her first steps in garnet and black.
What makes Tournebize especially intriguing is her skill set. She isn’t just a traditional post player — she can dunk, stretch the floor, and knock down three-pointers. Staley and her staff are already working to refine those abilities within the structure of South Carolina’s system and the pace of the American college game.
Tournebize’s debut may not come with fireworks, but it doesn’t need to. For South Carolina, this is about building depth, confidence, and readiness — and when she finally steps on the court, it will be because Staley believes she’s prepared to contribute the right way.
