Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks delivered another dominant performance, but the legendary coach’s postgame reflections revealed deeper insights about program building, player development, and a surprisingly touching moment that had fans on both sides celebrating together.
Defensive Discipline Against Spread Offense
South Carolina faced a unique challenge against Arkansas’s spread-and-drive offensive system, but Staley’s squad remained locked in throughout the contest. “I thought we were up for the challenge. A little different style of offense where they just spread you out, drive it down your throat, see if they can get ahead of possession, kickout for threes,” Staley told On3. “I thought our players were really disciplined for the most part.”
The Gamecocks balanced their defensive intensity with offensive efficiency, particularly in transition. “We did what we needed to do from an offensive standpoint. Got out in transition and made some layups early in the basketball game,” she added, according to On3.
Bench Depth Emerges From Adversity
With starter Ta’Niya Latson sidelined, South Carolina’s reserves seized their expanded opportunity. Every player logged at least 15 minutes, showcasing the program’s remarkable depth during the grueling SEC gauntlet.
“I know our bench has developed over the past couple of weeks,” Staley explained to On3. “There are thirty minutes right there for someone to step into. I think Maddie McDaniel and Agot Makeer are doing a really great job on both sides of the basketball, just being very predictable.”
Staley particularly praised Adhel Tac’s physical presence, noting that the injury crisis “opened up the floodgates for some of our younger players to step in and do a great job for us,” per On3.
Respecting the Opposition
The Hall of Fame coach showed genuine respect for Arkansas’s Jada Bates, who torched South Carolina during the second quarter. “Hard guard for us at that. At the time in the second quarter, it was an even quarter for us, and she was the main reason why,” Staley admitted to On3. “When she was driving it down our throats or stopping to shoot a three. Happy for her, it should be a confidence booster for her and for Arkansas overall.”
Heartwarming Fan Moment
Perhaps the most touching aspect of the evening came after the final buzzer, when Arkansas fans approached Staley and her players with appreciation and respect. The coach was visibly moved by the gesture.
“When we are in between the lines, you are cheering for who you came to see, but when it’s all said and done, we are all SEC fans. We want each other to do well,” Staley shared with On3. “They have a really good appreciation for good basketball, and that’s cool. It really is cool for having them come out and also to know the people bought the book, my book, here in Arkansas.”
Efficiency and Maturity
Tessa Johnson and Joyce Edwards continued their efficient scoring, with Staley attributing their success to experience and basketball IQ. “It’s called just growing up and maturing,” she told On3. “You learn to play good basketball. You learn to make good decisions. You learn what’s a good shot, what’s a bad shot, what’s a makeable shot, what’s not a makeable shot, and you play the percentages.”
The coach’s philosophy is simple but effective: “For us, if you shoot over fifty percent, you could take any shot. Because more times that not, you take really good shots that you can make,” she explained, per On3.
Words of Wisdom for Rebuilding Programs
Facing first-year Arkansas coach Kelsi Musick, who is rebuilding the Razorbacks program, Staley offered valuable advice drawn from her own experience transforming South Carolina into a dynasty.
“Take players that want to be here, no matter what list they on,” Staley advised, according to On3. “Sometimes very early on, we try to wait until they get the big fish right, when sometimes you lose the big fish, and you lose the ones on the B list and the C list, and then you’re just out getting anybody.”
Emotional Tribute to Maryam Dauda
The loudest cheer of the night came when former Razorback Maryam Dauda knocked down a three-pointer, with fans from both sides celebrating. Staley’s comments about the sophomore revealed why she values character as much as talent.
“Quality individual. An awesome soul,” Staley said of Dauda, per On3. “Maryam, I know she doesn’t play as much as she probably anticipated her playing, but she comes to practice every single day. Anytime we have a recruit on campus, she’s there to greet them.”
The coach’s admiration was profound: “If she was done with basketball, she didn’t want to play, I would hire them. I need them around our program because they are just quality people,” Staley told On3.
