Dawn Staley Reloads: Inside South Carolina’s Stacked Roster and the Buzz Around Fulwiley’s Future
Just days after South Carolina‘s tough national championship loss to UConn, Dawn Staley wasted no time reshaping her team for the 2025-26 season. The drama hasn’t died down—in fact, it’s heating up.
On Tuesday, Ta’Niya Latson, the nation’s leading scorer and one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal, committed to South Carolina. The Florida State transfer, a dynamic 5-foot-8 guard who averaged 25.2 points per game last season, instantly became the biggest name in Staley’s offseason overhaul.
And the surprises didn’t stop there.
Less than 10 minutes after Latson’s announcement, her former high school teammate Raven Johnson revealed she would return for her final year with the Gamecocks—solidifying a major piece of Staley’s veteran core.
The rapid-fire announcements sent shockwaves through social media, triggering excitement and speculation. Many fans immediately turned their attention to MiLaysia Fulwiley, wondering where the electric guard fits into such a loaded backcourt. Could a transfer be looming?
Projected 2025-26 Gamecock Roster (as of Wednesday):
Returning Players:
- Raven Johnson, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Tessa Johnson, Maddy McDaniel
- Joyce Edwards, Chloe Kitts, Ashlyn Watkins, Maryam Dauda, Adhel Tac
Incoming Transfers:
- Ta’Niya Latson
Freshmen Additions:
- Ayla McDowell (signed), Agot Makeer (committed)
Departing:
- Sakima Walker (entered the transfer portal)
Dawn Staley’s Lineup Dilemma
With a deep and talented roster, Staley faces the kind of “problem” coaches dream of: too much talent, not enough starting spots. Particularly in the backcourt, the battle for minutes will be intense.
Here are three potential guard rotations Staley may explore:
- Option 1: Starters – Raven Johnson, Ta’Niya Latson, MiLaysia Fulwiley
Bench – Tessa Johnson, Maddy McDaniel, Ayla McDowell, Agot Makeer - Option 2: Starters – Raven Johnson, Ta’Niya Latson, Tessa Johnson
Bench – MiLaysia Fulwiley, Maddy McDaniel, McDowell, Makeer - Option 3: Starters – Ta’Niya Latson, Tessa Johnson, MiLaysia Fulwiley
Bench – Raven Johnson, McDaniel, McDowell, Makeer
The challenge? Only three of the “Big Four” guards—Latson, Fulwiley, Raven, Tessa—can start in a traditional lineup.
Fulwiley’s Future in Focus
Many assume Latson, as the nation’s top scorer, is a guaranteed starter. Johnson, a proven defender and leader, brings essential experience to the floor. That could leave Fulwiley or Tessa Johnson coming off the bench—an idea that has stirred mixed reactions.
Fulwiley was named the SEC Sixth Woman of the Year, while Tessa Johnson averaged 21.2 minutes per game this past season despite rarely starting. Fulwiley wasn’t far behind at 18.9 minutes. Both have thrived in supporting roles, but with more experience under their belts, will they still accept coming off the bench?
Social media chatter suggests some fans believe Fulwiley should transfer to maximize her potential, with posts arguing she deserves a starring role elsewhere. The conversation picked up momentum again after Latson’s commitment.
Even Maddy McDaniel, a rising sophomore, was swept into the speculation storm, prompting her parents to step in and squash rumors of her transferring.
Too Soon to Tell
With the transfer portal still open until April 22, the Gamecocks’ roster could still shift. More additions—or subtractions—may come. But as it stands, Options 1 and 2 appear to be the most viable rotations for the 2025-26 season.
The big question remains: Can all this talent coexist? Or will the desire for more playing time push someone out the door?
Regardless of how it unfolds, one thing’s for sure—Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks are once again loaded, and the road to a national title starts with managing the egos and excellence within this star-studded squad.
