Gamecocks Monitor Guard Health Ahead of Tennessee Showdown
COLUMBIA — As South Carolina prepares for its highly anticipated SEC clash with Tennessee, the availability of the Gamecocks’ starting backcourt remains a major storyline.
On the SEC injury report released Feb. 7, Agot Makeer was listed as out for Sunday’s matchup against the Lady Vols, while fellow starters Tessa Johnson and Ta’Niya Latson were notably absent from the report. No. 3 South Carolina (23-2, 9-1 SEC) hosts No. 17 Tennessee (15-5, 7-1) on Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. ET, with national coverage on ABC. An updated injury report is expected approximately an hour before tipoff.
The Gamecocks have been navigating backcourt uncertainty for more than a week. Head coach Dawn Staley has not had Makeer or Latson available since the first half of the Jan. 29 win over Auburn, and Johnson did not appear in the second half of South Carolina’s 88-45 rout of Mississippi State on Feb. 5. All three typically start in the backcourt, making their health a critical factor against Tennessee’s aggressive pressure.
Makeer’s absence appears the clearest. The sophomore guard exited early in the first quarter against Auburn with what the program has described as an unspecified lower-leg injury. While Staley has offered no further details, Makeer was observed on a workout machine off to the side as the team wrapped up practice on Feb. 6, suggesting she remains limited.
Latson, meanwhile, has shown visible signs of progress. She was still wearing a brace on her left knee during practice but was standing with the team, an encouraging sign as South Carolina inches closer to tipoff. Her omission from the injury report hints that a return may be possible, though her status remains officially unconfirmed.
Johnson’s situation appears more precautionary than concerning. After playing the first half against Mississippi State, she spent part of the third quarter riding a stationary bike behind the bench before returning to support her teammates. She wore what appeared to be a medical wrap around her lower back or abdomen but moved freely, walking and high-fiving players without issue.
Staley emphasized that Johnson’s absence was a calculated decision, not a setback.
“She’s just banged-up,” Staley said after the win. “We afforded ourselves to get a big lead and not (having to) put her in a situation where she could hurt herself more. She’s just a little sore so we opted to keep her out and get her ready for the Tennessee game.”
With another injury update looming closer to game time, South Carolina’s final lineup remains fluid. Still, the Gamecocks’ cautious approach underscores the importance of having their guards as close to full strength as possible for a matchup that could shape the SEC title race.
