Maryam Dauda and Adhel Tac came to South Carolina with plenty of promise—but their debut seasons didn’t quite match the hype. However, there’s every reason to believe both will make a significantly bigger impact in the upcoming year.
Dauda, a former SEC blocks leader during her time at Arkansas, appeared poised to become a key contributor. Yet, transitioning from Arkansas’ fast-paced style to Dawn Staley’s more structured and disciplined system proved tougher than expected. Meanwhile, Tac hadn’t played competitive basketball in nearly two years due to injury, and the rust was more apparent than anyone anticipated.
Still, glimpses of their potential broke through. Dauda notably outperformed Oklahoma All-American Raegan Beers in the SEC Tournament. Tac showed flashes, too—scoring nine points and grabbing six rebounds against Missouri, both career-highs. She was also known as a standout performer on South Carolina’s practice squad. And beyond those flashes, there are three big reasons to expect a breakout from both players in the season ahead:
1. Bigs Usually Bloom in Year Two
Very few post players dominate right away. Even South Carolina legends like A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston saw significant growth between their freshman and sophomore years. Boston, for instance, jumped from averaging 12.5 points and 9.4 rebounds to 13.5 and 11.5, respectively, in her second season.
Kamilla Cardoso followed a similar path—she put up modest numbers in her first year in Columbia (5.4 points, 5.1 rebounds), then leaped to 14.4 points and 9.7 boards by her third season.
This pattern is common beyond South Carolina, too. Lauren Betts went from 5.9 points per game as a freshman to 20.2 last season. Teaira McCowan transformed from nearly unplayable as a freshman to SEC Player of the Year as a senior. In other words: with post players, development takes time—but when it happens, it’s usually dramatic.
2. Advanced Stats Show More Than the Box Score
Dauda’s raw numbers dipped due to a drastic cut in playing time—down from 28.7 minutes per game at Arkansas to just 6.4 minutes with the Gamecocks. Her per-game averages took a hit (10.1 points down to 2.0, and blocks fell from 2.2 to 0.1), but advanced metrics tell a different story.
Her rebound percentage, turnover rate, and win shares per 40 minutes were all at career-best levels. In fact, her per-40 rebound average actually increased. One issue? Shot selection. Dauda’s field goal percentage dropped to a career-low 32.1%, and her three-point percentage fell to 25%, despite launching threes at a high rate (43.9% of her shots). A more balanced approach could help unlock her offensive potential.
As for Tac, her minutes were even fewer—just 3.8 per game—but her per-40-minute stats were eye-opening: 16.6 points and 17.0 rebounds. Even accounting for the small sample size, that’s impressive. Her player efficiency rating (PER) was 19.9, ahead of Tessa Johnson and right behind Te-Hina Paopao. She also led the team in total rebound percentage at 22.3%, a number that stacks up to Cardoso’s best seasons.
3. This Is Their First Full Summer—and They Have Reinforcements
Last offseason, both players were behind from the start. Dauda was learning the system, and Tac wasn’t even cleared for contact until October. This summer marks the first time they’ve both had a clean slate to fully prepare and integrate into Staley’s system.
Additionally, the frontcourt dynamic will be different this season. The Gamecocks added Madina Okot, a 6-foot-6 transfer from Mississippi State, and expect the return of Ashlyn Watkins from an ACL tear. Watkins’ absence last year forced Staley to rely heavily on trusted veterans, which narrowed opportunities for Dauda and Tac.
This season, with defined roles and more frontcourt depth, there’s a chance for everyone to find their place—and shine. Tac and Okot will also benefit from going head-to-head in practice, which should accelerate their development.
Bottom line? While their first year in Columbia didn’t go as expected, both Maryam Dauda and Adhel Tac have the tools—and now the opportunity—to break through in 2025. With a full summer of preparation, clearer roles, and proven potential, don’t be surprised if both become key contributors to the Gamecocks’ title chase.
