Joyce Edwards Shines in Freshman Year, Draws Comparisons to South Carolina Legends
Joyce Edwards entered South Carolina as one of the most highly decorated recruits in Gamecock history, and in her first season, she proved that the hype was real. From stepping into a powerhouse program to helping lead the Gamecocks to a 35-4 record, SEC regular season and tournament titles, and a trip to the national championship game, Edwards’ freshman campaign was nothing short of outstanding.
To fully understand her impact, it’s worth comparing Edwards’ debut season to four of South Carolina’s greatest stars under Dawn Staley: A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, Alaina Coates, and Tiffany Mitchell. These women represent the gold standard of Gamecock basketball — with Wilson, Boston, and Mitchell each winning SEC Player of the Year, and Coates being named SEC Freshman of the Year.
A Breakdown of Edwards’ Historic Freshman Year
Edwards was named to the First-Team All-SEC and earned Freshman All-American honors. While she was dominant during the regular season, some challenges emerged in the NCAA Tournament, especially as teams began sending consistent double-teams her way. But even through adversity, Edwards’ performance placed her among elite company.
How She Stacks Up to Gamecock Greats
- Aliyah Boston (2019-20): Her season was cut short due to the pandemic, but she still managed to lead the Gamecocks to a 32-1 record and an SEC sweep. Boston was named National and SEC Freshman of the Year, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and won the Lisa Leslie Award for the best center in the country.
- A’ja Wilson (2014-15): Wilson helped the Gamecocks to their first Final Four appearance, finished with a 34-3 record, and earned SEC Freshman of the Year, First-Team All-SEC, and Third-Team All-American honors.
- Alaina Coates (2013-14): Coates was a crucial sixth player for the team’s first SEC regular season title. She was named SEC Freshman of the Year and Co-Sixth Player of the Year as the team reached the Sweet 16.
- Tiffany Mitchell (2012-13): The first star of the Staley era, Mitchell was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team, and while her team had a modest 25-8 record, she would go on to win back-to-back SEC Player of the Year honors later in her career.
A Statistical Snapshot
The statistics show a clear pattern: all of these players hit the ground running in their first seasons, with most taking a major leap in their sophomore years. Edwards’ freshman numbers — while already elite — suggest she has a real shot at joining South Carolina’s all-time greats if she continues to evolve.
What’s Next for Edwards?
Edwards has openly acknowledged that she needs to better handle double-teams — something she struggled with during the postseason. But if she can improve in that area, there’s every reason to believe she can reach a new level of dominance in her second season.
History says she’s on the right path. Wilson, Boston, and Mitchell all blossomed into SEC icons in their second years. Could Edwards be next?
Coach Dawn Staley has already developed a blueprint for transforming elite recruits into legends. With the tools Edwards possesses — size, skill, work ethic — she could very well join the ranks of those whose jerseys now hang in the rafters.
The 2025 season will be telling. If Edwards takes the leap many expect, she could not only continue South Carolina’s run of dominance but etch her name alongside the very best to ever wear garnet and black.
