Dawn Staley Praises Freshmen Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell as Key Additions for South Carolina
COLUMBIA — South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley has never been one to shelter freshmen, and this year is no different. The two newest faces in the program — guards Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell — are already blending seamlessly into the roster and showing signs they’ll make an early impact.
“They’re good,” Staley said on Sept. 22. “They’re pretty good, they’re blending in. They’re good listeners, they’re really good basketball players, really smart.”
Standing at 6-foot-1, both Makeer and McDowell bring length, versatility, and shooting ability to a team that needs perimeter scoring after losing Te-Hina Paopao and Bree Hall. Staley added high-scoring Florida State transfer Ta’Niya Latson, but she will need additional outside threats to balance the Gamecocks’ inside-heavy attack.
Last season, South Carolina was dominant at the rim (60.2%) and in the paint (47%) but struggled from midrange (36%) and behind the arc (33%). McDowell and Makeer, both confident shooters, may help close that gap.
“I think both of them can shoot the ball. Really shoot the ball, really impressively,” Staley said. “I’m hoping that holds true throughout the season, but they’re not shy about shooting. They’re not shy about putting the ball up. I like that.”
Versatility on the Court
Makeer, originally from Ontario, Canada, played her senior year at Montverde Academy in Florida. Ranked No. 6 in the class of 2025, she averaged 10 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Known for her smooth jumper and disruptive length, she combines scoring ability with strong passing instincts.
McDowell, a Texas native and ESPN’s No. 15 recruit, was a standout at Cypress Springs High School, averaging 25.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.4 steals, 3.3 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game. A creative, multi-level scorer with strong court vision, she excels inside the paint but can also stretch the floor.
Fitting Into Staley’s System
Staley has consistently given freshmen meaningful minutes, with first-year players averaging between 16–18 minutes over the past two seasons. Makeer and McDowell are expected to get similar opportunities, much like Joyce Edwards and MiLaysia Fulwiley did in their debut campaigns.
With Latson and 6-6 transfer center Madina Okot also joining the roster, the Gamecocks’ starting five is still up in the air. But history suggests both McDowell and Makeer will have a role.
South Carolina, which hasn’t missed a Final Four since 2019, enters the season with 63% of its roster having already played in a national championship game. For Makeer and McDowell, they’re the only ones yet to play in the NCAA Tournament — but their teammates already see their maturity.
“They’re good,” junior guard Raven Johnson said. “Their IQ for the game of basketball, I’ve never seen it from a freshman. They are gelling with us really well, they learn really fast. As freshmen, they want to win and learn, and that’s what you like to see.”
As the season approaches, Staley’s latest freshmen look poised not just to fit in, but to play a pivotal role in keeping South Carolina among the nation’s elite.
