Columbia, SC — South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley met with media following practice to discuss the imminent arrival of French forward Alicia Tournebize, injury updates, and Sunday’s road matchup against Florida. The veteran coach provided insights into integrating her newest player while managing roster challenges as SEC play intensifies.
The following article is based on press conference quotes originally reported by On3’s South Carolina coverage. Visit On3.com for complete press conference coverage and South Carolina Gamecocks news.
Tournebize Paperwork Nearly Complete
When asked whether Tournebize had completed the administrative requirements to play Sunday against Florida, Staley explained the process remains ongoing, according to her press conference comments reported by On3.
“No, there’s a lot of stuff you gotta do. She got a lot of it done, but it’s gonna take, maybe, another day or so,” Staley said.
Despite not being cleared for competition, the 6-7 forward will accompany the team to Gainesville. “Yeah,” Staley confirmed when asked if Tournebize would travel.
Settling Into Columbia
Staley discussed the challenges and progress of acclimating her international addition to life in Columbia and American college basketball.
“I mean, it’s easier for us. It’s probably a little bit harder for her, but I think she’s a lot more mature than her 18-year-old self. I mean, she’s been a pro for a few years now, so she understands what that’s like,” Staley explained.
The coach revealed a logistical breakthrough that should ease Tournebize’s transition: “I’m just happy that we got her. We thought she was gonna have to stay in the hotel for about 10 days. We actually got her apartment squared away today so she can just kind of settle in.”
Regarding when Tournebize will begin learning South Carolina’s system, Staley indicated patience: “Not yet. I think we’ll do that once she’s able to hit the floor. And that’s probably gonna be sometime next week, I imagine.”
Strategic Integration Plan
Staley outlined her approach for incorporating a mid-season addition into an established championship program.
“I don’t know. Obviously, it’s gonna be a big transition. I mean, this is hard, to come in the middle of the season, to pick up on some things,” Staley acknowledged. “I know we’re going to probably shorten her playbook until she gets acclimated. And once we can see how she fits in with us, we’ll start running some specialized plays for her.”
The coach emphasized that immediate playing time factored significantly in Tournebize’s decision to leave professional basketball for college competition. “She wasn’t playing a whole lot on her professional team, and it’s just because she’s young. So, we just thought (it) kind of worked out with Chloe (Kitts). Being able to come in to play right away was something that was appealing to her.”
Latson Remains Out
Ta’Niya Latson’s status continues as a day-to-day situation. “Ta’Niya did not practice today. Maybe tomorrow, I don’t know,” Staley said, indicating the senior guard remains in recovery from her ankle injury.
Florida Preparation and Road Challenges
Addressing Sunday’s opponent, Staley expressed respect for Florida’s improvement and defensive intensity.
“Florida’s playing much better. I mean, defensively, they just get after you. They deny; they make it difficult for you to make any entry passes,” Staley observed. “They got players who have improved over the past year; they have a freshman group that’s playing well and inspired basketball.”
On handling SEC road environments, Staley emphasized maintaining identity: “It’s on the road. It’s always a little more difficult to play on the road in our league. But we just have to stay in character for us — just be who we’ve been. We gotta pack our defense; we gotta pack our rebounding.”
Kitts Recovery Progressing Rapidly
When asked about Chloe Kitts’ rehabilitation from ACL surgery, Staley showed cautious optimism while ruling out any return this season.
Shaking her head when asked about potential late-season availability, Staley said: “No, but she’ll be back. Like, her rehab is going great. It’s probably too fast. You know, Chloe can’t… she’s gotta keep going.”
The comments reflect both excitement about Kitts’ dedication and concern about managing appropriate recovery pace to prevent setbacks.
As South Carolina prepares for their first true SEC road test, Staley’s measured approach to Tournebize’s integration and Latson’s recovery demonstrates the championship patience that has defined her program’s sustained excellence.
Source: Press conference quotes via On3’s South Carolina Gamecocks coverage
Read the complete press conference transcript at On3.com
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