As the No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks prepare for a pivotal SEC showdown with the Arkansas Razorbacks on Thursday’s GameDay broadcast, all eyes are on Alicia Tournebize — the highly-touted freshman forward whose midseason arrival has energized the program. Fans and analysts alike have been asking the same question: Will Tournebize be eligible and ready to play against Arkansas? The latest updates suggest a nuanced picture.
A Midseason Arrival in Columbia
Tournebize, a 6-foot-7 forward from Vichy, France, officially committed to South Carolina and was expected to join the team following the holiday break. She signed a financial aid agreement in late December and was slated to enroll for the Spring 2026 semester. (University of South Carolina Athletics)
After completing her documentation and visa process — one of the final hurdles for international prospects — Tournebize arrived in Columbia on January 1, 2026, just days before the Gamecocks began SEC play. She was enthusiastically greeted by teammates and staff, and her arrival was widely celebrated by Gamecock fans. (Yahoo Sports)
Practice and Team Integration
While Tournebize has joined the team on campus and has been present at practice sessions, she has not yet taken part in full team practices. According to a detailed report, she was seen at practice and even interacting with head coach Dawn Staley, but she did not participate in drills or scrimmages during the media-open portion of practice. (On3)
Coach Staley explained that although Tournebize has completed a significant portion of her relocation and administrative requirements, “there’s still stuff she’s got to do,” suggesting that paperwork and eligibility procedures are not entirely finalized. (On3)
Will She Play Thursday? Not Yet — But Progress Is Clear
The current reality, based on official updates, is that Tournebize will not play in the upcoming game against Arkansas. Her arrival on campus is a major step forward, but she still needs time to acclimate and complete the remaining eligibility requirements before seeing game action. (On3)
Coach Staley has indicated this timeline is partly due to logistics rather than a reflection of readiness or physical condition. South Carolina anticipated that Tournebize might complete her move and be cleared earlier, but the administrative process stretched into early January — a common challenge for international transfers joining midseason.
Staley has also acknowledged that once Tournebize is eligible, she will likely see her initial role eased in gradually, with the team shortening her playbook and helping her assimilate into the Gamecocks’ system before expanding her responsibilities. (On3)
Injury Context Around the Roster
South Carolina’s strong standing has been tested this season by injuries to key contributors, making Tournebize’s addition even more impactful once she is eligible. Star guard Ta’Niya Latson has been sidelined with a lower-leg issue, which forced her to miss recent games and will continue to be monitored. (Facebook)
While Latson’s situation has drawn headlines, Tournebize’s arrival is seen by many as a boost to depth and long-term rotational options, especially given her size, versatility, and professional experience in Europe. (Just Women’s Sports)
Looking Ahead: Florida Next, Then Arkansas
Although Tournebize won’t play against Arkansas this Thursday, she has already been included in travel plans for recent road games like the trip to Florida — a move that allows her to absorb the team’s culture and game-day environment even before logging minutes on the court. (On3)
Her eligibility status remains on track to potentially change very soon, making her integration one of the key midseason storylines to watch as South Carolina navigates the remainder of its SEC slate. Once cleared, Tournebize could offer the Gamecocks added size, scoring versatility, and defensive presence — qualities that could influence late-season outcomes as the Gamecocks chase both SEC and national title aspirations.
Sources & Citations
Sources: On3, GamecockCentral, GamecockOnline, Dawn Staley media availabilities, ESPN/SEC Network, Just Women’s Sports.
