Justine Loubens Opens Up About Joining South Carolina, Dawn Staley’s Impact and Her Growing Chemistry With Alicia Tournebize

Justine Loubens may not have arrived at South Carolina with the same national attention as some of her highly ranked teammates, but the French freshman is already showing why Dawn Staley believes she can contribute to the Gamecocks’ championship ambitions.

Although Loubens was not included in ESPN’s Top 100 rankings for the 2026 recruiting class, ESPN recruiting analyst Shane Laflin considered her a four-star prospect. After a short spell with French professional club La Roche Vendée, the 19-year-old decided to take her basketball career across the Atlantic while pursuing an American education.

“I decided to come to the states because I know every school has a good formation,” Loubens told The State on Oct. 22. “And they can combine school and basketball.”

Why Loubens chose South Carolina

Loubens explored several college opportunities before settling on South Carolina. Ultimately, the program’s reputation, competitive standards and potential for player development made the Gamecocks an attractive destination.

“I chose South Carolina because they have a good program,” Loubens said. “They are ambitious, and I know it’s one of the top teams in the country. So, I knew if I came here that’s why I could improve and progress.”

Working with Staley has also been an important part of her transition. Despite spending only a few months in Columbia, Loubens says the two have developed a positive relationship, with the coach helping her identify areas for improvement.

“[Staley] is a very good coach,” Loubens said. “With me, she helps me to be better on a few points. I know what I have to do, and for example, I know I have to take my shot, defend hard, and not dribble as much…we have a good rapport.”

Staley sees potential in the French freshman

Loubens has started adjusting to South Carolina’s system through its exhibition games. She recorded two points and two rebounds against College of Charleston, followed by five points and two rebounds against Benedict.

Her production in France also offered encouraging signs. Across 24 appearances for La Roche Vendée, she averaged 6.5 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting an impressive 63.9% from the field.

Staley believes Loubens could become a useful rotational player, highlighting her discipline, defensive length, rebounding and understanding of the game.

“I really like Justine,” Staley said on Oct. 22. “…She’s disciplined. If we tell her to do this or that, she does it to a T. So for her, it’s space the floor. She’s not a bad defender, especially with her length. I think she’s done a great job at rebounding, so she can be out there. She’s one that I value her intellect, her basketball feel. For her, it’s when her number’s called, she’s just got to be ready, and by what she’s done in here [at practice], she will be.”

Meet “Bangs”: Loubens’ nickname takes off

South Carolina fans have already embraced Loubens, with social media users giving her the nickname “Bangs,” inspired by her hairstyle.

“First, my teammates called me this, but they didn’t know that everyone on the social media called me that,” Loubens said of the nickname. “So they were like, ‘No, it’s us. We called her that first.’ But yeah, I’m okay with it. I like it.”

Her adjustment has been made easier by fellow French player Alicia Tournebize. The two have known each other for more than a decade, and their mothers previously played together on the French national team in the early 1990s.

They later represented France together at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup and the 2025 FIBA U18 EuroBasket.

“That helps,” Loubens said. “We can find each other on the court, so we have a good chemistry.”

The teammates also share a room, giving them opportunities to help one another navigate language barriers and life in America.

“She helps me a lot and now I’m getting better…I [pretty much] understand everything,” Loubens said. “To talk, it’s still difficult. But she’s here every time I need her.”

A new adventure in America

Having never visited the United States before joining South Carolina, Loubens has been surprised by the differences between the two countries.

“It’s bigger. Everything is bigger,” Loubens said. “The food is very different. It’s very cool and there are some differences from France and I like it.”

Her early experience with the Gamecocks has been encouraging, and the freshman now faces an exciting milestone. Loubens is preparing for her official college debut when No. 1 South Carolina meets No. 20 Maryland in Paris, France, giving her an opportunity to represent her new team while playing closer to home.

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