A Night to Remember at GarNET & Black Madness
Yesterday evening in Columbia, the South Carolina Gamecocks men’s and women’s basketball programs joined forces for their annual season-kickoff celebration, “GarNET & Black Madness,” held at Colonial Life Arena. The event was marked by high energy, big names, and plenty of spectacle. (247Sports)
Event Highlights & Format
- Doors opened at 6 p.m., and from 7–9 p.m. the arena lit up with player introductions, competition events, and a live performance by rapper Waka Flocka Flame. The event was free for fans (tickets required) and served as a festive introduction to the upcoming 2025-26 season. (University of South Carolina Athletics)
- The competitions included a three-point shootout, a skills challenge (with obstacle weaving, passing and shooting), and a dunk contest. These took place across both the men’s and women’s rosters. (247Sports)
- For the fans, it was a chance to see the team culture up close—meet players, feel the energy, and get a sense of the roster’s depth and personality before the season tip-off. One photo gallery captured 55+ slides of the festivities, showing the mix of games, competition and camaraderie. (247Sports)
Standout Moments & Players
- On the women’s side, players such as Raven Johnson and Chloe Kitts were visibly present for the celebration, embracing both the fun and the serious side of the event. Their participation underscored the program’s drive to engage fans and build team unity.
- Head coach Dawn Staley made a clear appearance on stage, symbolically ushering in her 18th season at the helm of the Gamecocks’ women’s basketball program. Her presence set the tone—this is more than just hype; it’s about community, culture and competition. (Daily Gamecock)
- The dunk contest drew plenty of attention. Freshman men’s player Hayden Assemian stole the show by dunking over two 7-footers in his round, earning a perfect score and taking the victory. On the women’s side, team members acted as judges and participants, which reflected how the whole program — men’s and women’s — was mingling and presenting a unified front. (247Sports)
What It Means for the Season Ahead
- For Staley and the Gamecocks’ women’s program, the event functions as a launch pad. With returning pieces from last season’s NCAA runner-up squad and new additions, the culture element shown at GarNET & Black Madness signals that team chemistry and identity remain priorities. (University of South Carolina Athletics)
- The free, fan-friendly format underscores how the program is investing in its community and fan base. By making the event accessible and high-energy, South Carolina is reinforcing its place as a top destination for both supporters and recruits.
- On the men’s side, the event similarly readies the team for the season to come — but the spotlight for many fans remains on Staley’s women’s squad. This blending of both programs at one event helps lift the entire basketball culture at South Carolina.
Final Take
GarNET & Black Madness yesterday wasn’t just a fun night of contests and music. It was a strategic moment for the Gamecocks’ programs to show off their culture, unify both rosters, and engage fans ahead of the grind. With Dawn Staley on stage, players like Raven Johnson and Chloe Kitts front and center, and fans turning out in force, the event brought the “party” to basketball launch season — but underneath the polish lies a serious competitive edge.
