As No. 3 prepares for a pivotal showdown with , head coach delivered a candid, wide-ranging press conference that touched on injuries, team fatigue, transfer integration, SEC title stakes, and even the ongoing CBA talks.
Here’s a full breakdown — with Staley’s words front and center.
Health Updates: Raven Johnson & Adhel Tac
Staley opened with an update on point guard .
“Uh, Raven’s a little bit under the weather, so we just told her to just rest today.”
As for herself, Staley kept it light.
“No, I’m not. I never claim sickness. It’s just acid reflux, I said, it really is. It’s just…when you get older, y’all. It just happens.”
Forward remains sidelined.
“Yeah, yeah. Still trying to figure it out. Day-to-day, day-to-day.”
Scouting Ole Miss: “Superstars in Their Roles”
Staley had high praise for Ole Miss, calling them one of the most complete teams in the league.
“Really good team. Just playing well together, got them a superstar, and then they got some role players who are superstars in their own right, because they’re superstars in the roles that they play for their team.”
She emphasized their athleticism and versatility:
“Just athletic, long, cover a lot of ground on both sides of the ball. (They) like to get up in transition. Can get streaky from outside the three, can rebound the basketball, I mean, they got a really solid team in all positions.”
With Ole Miss playing their fourth game in eight days, Staley made it clear South Carolina won’t assume fatigue will be a factor.
“We prep for our opponent’s very best, okay? Very best.”
Managing Fatigue Down the Stretch
With the regular season winding down, Staley adjusted practice intensity to preserve her roster.
“Today was an active recovery type thing, type of practice for us. Just did the bare minimum, but the quality of work that we got in today I like.”
She even cut segments short to keep legs fresh.
“We cut two things off of our practice and they were a little bit surprised about it… But that’s how you keep them fresh.”
Still, she challenged her players mentally.
“I know they came in here tired. But I don’t want them to walk around here like they’re tired. I want them to fake the funk, you do it, and see where they end up.”
Cotie McMahon’s Impact
When discussing Ole Miss star , Staley highlighted how well she fits within her system.
“Well, I think she’s a focal point, and I think some people like Cotie thrive in that position, thriving in the driver’s seat.”
She credited head coach for structuring the offense around her.
“Everybody else is just playing around her, and they don’t mind… when you have that kind of situation, I mean, your play elevates.”
Historic GameDay Moment
Sunday’s matchup will feature two Black head coaches on the women’s side of College GameDay for the first time. Staley’s reaction?
“Damn it, 2026. We are still making history like that?”
She made it clear the spotlight should be about basketball excellence.
“I don’t want them to just put two black women on to make history. I want them to put you to the same criteria that they normally use to bring GameDay to a college campus.”
The Transfer Portal: Ta’Niya Latson & Madina Okot
Staley offered perhaps her most revealing comments when discussing integrating high-impact transfers like and .
“For transfers that have to play an integral role in your success, you have to look at the numbers… and if they fill a void that you need, then yes, they have to be a big part of it.”
On Latson adjusting from a high-volume scoring role:
“She probably would not get as many shots on any given night as she got at Florida State. But she wanted something as well. She wanted to be able to play with other great players.”
Staley believes the experience prepares her for the next level.
“I know Ta’Niya is gonna be better-equipped for the WNBA because of her one year experience here.”
As for Okot — affectionately nicknamed “Big Mama” — Staley believes the growth has been mental as much as physical.
“I think both of them… have probably been a little more stressed out from a mental standpoint, because… it’s high pressure, and it’s a different type of pressure.”
She stressed that beyond stats, their mental evolution matters most.
“The mental piece of their game has really elevated.”
“Big Mama” Origins
Staley admitted the nickname didn’t immediately stick.
“I don’t think she was a fan at first. But it’s an endearing nickname.”
She described Okot’s presence:
“She’s got a mother’s poise and presence… when she does talk, everybody listens.”
And true to form:
“Somebody did, and then I just took it to another level, like I usually do. I crash out with it.”
Defensive Challenge vs. Ole Miss Posts
Ole Miss brings physicality inside, and Staley knows single coverage won’t work.
“If we’re in a one-on-one, all-night single-coverage with any of their players… it would be a long day for us.”
The solution?
“It has to be all of our defensive principles… making sure that we have layers to our defense.”
On the glass:
“Every woman for herself.”
Agot Makeer’s Growth
Staley also praised for her evolving floor vision.
“For sure. Vision. I mean, she can score the basketball… she played point guard for her high school.”
Despite injury setbacks, Staley sees steady progress.
“Had she not gotten hurt, I think her progression would have been a little bit further… but she’s still pushing through.”
SEC Stakes & Controlling Destiny
Staley knows what’s at stake.
“I’m sure the top half of the league wants us to lose. I’m sure of it, right?”
But the path is simple.
“We want to win this conference outright, and the only way you do it is to win… we control our own destiny.”
With key home games ahead:
“We just got to take care of home and to protect our house.”
WNBA CBA Talks
Drawing from her experience as a former pro, Staley weighed in on the current WNBA labor negotiations.
“Negotiating is hard, but it’s good. Anybody that is willing to bet on self in this space, is always a good thing.”
She sees value in both sides standing firm.
“If you don’t fight for something right now, you’re gonna settle for anything in the future.”
And ultimately, she remains optimistic:
“I think we’ll have a season… and I believe it’s going to start on time.”
With health questions, SEC championship implications, transfer development, and national spotlight all converging, Staley’s message was clear: control what you can, protect home court, and prepare for the opponent’s very best.
Source: On3
