South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley offered injury updates on guards Maddy McDaniel and Agot Makeer ahead of Tuesday night’s rivalry showdown against Clemson.
According to Staley, McDaniel is still sidelined and not expected to play, while Makeer returned to practice and is likely to be available.
“Gotti got it in a little bit today. Maddy no, probably not,” Staley said. “Just rehabbing.”
McDaniel, who played just eight minutes in the season opener against Grand Canyon, scored three points and dished out two assists before exiting late in the first half. She collided knees with a Grand Canyon player setting a screen and had to be helped off the court by Staley and athletic trainer Craig Oates.
Though McDaniel suited up and warmed up for the Bowling Green game, she never checked in. Staley explained that her availability was never truly on the table.
“We wouldn’t have played her, no,” Staley said. “But (we’re) loading her up, trying to see how it responds after just doing probably a little bit more than she’s done in a couple days.”
Last season, McDaniel averaged 3.1 points and 1.7 assists per game, impressing early and even outplaying Raven Johnson for stretches. She had seven points in 13 minutes in last year’s win over Clemson.
As for Makeer, the freshman was in the middle of a strong showing against Bowling Green when she appeared to injure her foot late in the third quarter after an opponent stepped on it. She sank her free throws before heading to the locker room and did not return.
After the game, Staley kept things light, saying, “She wasn’t crying, so that’s good.”
Before leaving, Makeer had 12 points and three rebounds, continuing a solid start to her freshman season. Through two games, she’s averaging 8.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks.
South Carolina’s depth has already been tested this year. With Ashlyn Watkins (ACL tear in January) and Chloe Kitts (ACL tear in October) both out for the season, the Gamecocks are down to 10 active players, making every injury a serious concern.
The Gamecocks will host Clemson on Tuesday night at Colonial Life Arena before heading to Los Angeles for a neutral-site matchup with Southern Cal on November 15.
