South Carolina women’s basketball has reached heights few programs could have imagined 25 years ago. With multiple national championships, Final Four runs, and a reputation as one of the nation’s powerhouses, the Gamecocks have built a dynasty under Dawn Staley and the players who set the stage before her.
To celebrate 25 seasons of Gamecock basketball in the 21st century, we recently revisited the Top 25 Moments of the past quarter-century. Now, it’s time to highlight the stars who made those memories possible — the Top 25 Players of the Century.
This first installment covers players ranked 25 through 11, with the top ten set to be revealed soon. A few rules shaped the list: only accomplishments at South Carolina count (not WNBA or play at other schools), and careers starting before 2000 only factor in their seasons from the 2000–01 season forward. Longevity matters — four solid years can outweigh one spectacular season — but players with eligibility left were still given some benefit of the doubt.
As the author of the list bluntly put it: “It’s my list; deal with the inconsistencies.”
Some fan favorites who just missed the cut include Ieasia Walker, Petra Ujhelyi, and Bianca Cuevas-Moore. Meanwhile, transfer Ta’Niya Latson is expected to eventually force her way into this ranking once she officially suits up in garnet and black.
25. Bree Hall (2021–25)
Hall’s numbers — 5.8 points and 2.3 rebounds per game — don’t tell the full story. Nicknamed “Big Shot Breezy,” she became known for clutch baskets and defensive intensity. A two-year starter, Hall consistently guarded opponents’ top perimeter threats and helped South Carolina to four Final Fours and two national titles.
24. MiLaysia Fulwiley (2023–25)
One of the most electrifying yet polarizing players in recent memory, Fulwiley averaged 11.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. Her ability to get hot made her unstoppable at times, but “poor shot selection and mental lapses made her unplayable,” according to the list’s author. Fulwiley remains one of the most talented players South Carolina has seen.
23. Ashlyn Watkins (2022–25)
Watkins’ athleticism is unmatched — she is the only Gamecock ever to dunk in a game. A defensive anchor, she averaged 7.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks while becoming the best defender on the 2024 undefeated national championship team. An injury-shortened junior year held her back from a higher ranking.
22. Raven Johnson (2021–Present)
One of the toughest to rank, Johnson is often critiqued for her lack of consistent scoring. But her value as a playmaker and defender can’t be overstated: 3.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game while running the point for two Final Four teams and an undefeated national champion. The verdict? “She wins games.”
21. Mikiah Herbert Harrigan (2016–20)
Known affectionately as “Mad Kiki,” Herbert Harrigan was the emotional spark of the dominant 2020 team. She ranks third all-time in career blocks at South Carolina and shot an impressive 39.1% from three. Her journey from role player on the 2017 title team to team leader is one of the program’s best success stories.
20. Tessa Johnson (2023–Present)
Johnson quickly became known as “Tournament Tessa” after stealing the spotlight from Caitlin Clark in the 2024 national championship game. She’s a sharpshooter, hitting 43.1% from three, and has evolved into a strong defender. With plenty of eligibility left, her legacy is just beginning.
19. Cristina Ciocan (2000–04)
A true floor general, Ciocan still holds South Carolina’s record for assists per game (5.3). Despite her brilliance — 8.7 points and 2.0 steals per game — the Gamecocks regressed as a program during her tenure, keeping her from climbing higher on the list.
18. Brea Beal (2019–23)
The definition of a lockdown defender, Beal’s role often went unappreciated. During the 2022 national championship run, she held opponents’ leading scorers to just 29 combined points across the entire tournament. Averaging 6.1 points and 5 rebounds, Beal was a winner whose impact won’t fully show up in stats.
17. Kaela Davis (2016–17)
In just one season at South Carolina, Davis became a pivotal piece of the 2017 national championship team. Averaging 12.7 points and 3.9 rebounds, she was a streak scorer capable of taking over games — exactly what the Gamecocks needed to lift their first title.
16. Joyce Edwards (2024–Present)
Edwards put together one of the best freshman campaigns in program history, averaging 12.7 points and 5 rebounds. She already led South Carolina to a national title game appearance and is poised to skyrocket up this list as her career unfolds.
15. Zia Cooke (2019–23)
Often underappreciated, Cooke was a consistent scorer who finished eighth on South Carolina’s all-time scoring list with 1,845 points. She averaged 13.5 per game over four seasons and grew into a reliable leader, defender, and playmaker. “There were many games when Cooke was the only offense South Carolina had.”
14. La’Keisha Sutton (2008–12)
Nicknamed “Keisha Clutch” by some fans, Sutton’s grit and determination carried South Carolina during its transition into a winning program. She averaged 10.4 points, 2.9 assists, and 1.2 steals, often playing against bigger, stronger opponents — and still coming out on top. Without Sutton, the foundation for future championships may never have been laid.
13. Chloe Kitts (2022–Present)
Kitts’ versatility and toughness have made her a fan favorite. A starter on the 2024 title team, she later earned SEC Tournament MVP, NCAA Regional MVP, and All-American honors. Her willingness to embrace any role has made her one of Dawn Staley’s most trusted players.
12. Destanni Henderson (2018–22)
“Henny” left her mark in her final game, scoring a career-high 26 points while shutting down Paige Bueckers to lead South Carolina past UConn for the 2022 national championship. Over her career, she averaged 9.5 points, 3.3 assists, and 37.9% from three, blossoming from a sixth woman to the steady floor general who brought home a title.
11. Te-Hina Paopao (2023–25)
When Dawn Staley needed a shooter, she landed Paopao — and it paid off. Paopao led the nation in three-point percentage in 2023–24 (42.2%). She earned All-American honors while helping the Gamecocks go undefeated. Even when her scoring dipped last season, she grew as a ball-handler and defender, proving her value beyond just shooting.
Who Makes the Top Ten?
The names above represent legends, winners, and program-defining talents — yet they only cover spots 25 through 11. That leaves the question every fan wants answered:
Who cracks the Top Ten of South Carolina women’s basketball this century?
