South Carolina women’s basketball officially kicks off preseason practice today, and with it comes a handful of pressing questions that could shape the 2025 campaign.
1. Who claims the starting frontcourt spots?
The biggest preseason storyline may be which two of Chloe Kitts, Joyce Edwards, and Madina Okot will earn starting roles in the frontcourt.
Each player brings unique strengths and potential drawbacks, and the combinations feel endless. The decision could define the rotation and, ultimately, the success of the season.
2. What roles will Okot, Tac, and Dauda play?
Okot, a transfer from Mississippi State, nearly averaged a double-double last season (11.2 points, 9.6 rebounds) and was recruited to be the dominant post presence South Carolina lacked. Whether starting or coming off the bench, she is expected to anchor the paint.
Two other talented bigs are also in the mix. Maryam Dauda, who once led the SEC in blocked shots during league play, has range out to the three-point line but struggled when she leaned too heavily on it last season. Still, her breakout performance in the SEC tournament against Oklahoma hinted she’s finding her place in Dawn Staley’s system.
Meanwhile, Tac, once ranked the No. 2 post in her class, battled through nearly two years of injuries. Even in limited minutes last year, she posted the team’s best rebounding rate. Now healthy and reshaped under strength coach Molly Binetti, Tac’s 6-6 frame could be a major factor around the rim.
With Edwards and Kitts set for significant minutes, Okot, Tac, and Dauda may find themselves in fierce competition for what remains.
3. What can Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell provide?
South Carolina doesn’t need its freshmen to be stars right away, but they will be asked to step in and give veterans valuable rest.
Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell are both gifted but raw. Makeer, one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2025 class, has flashed high-level potential. Both players are considered long-term cornerstones of the program.
For now, though, the key will be embracing specific roles. Will one emerge as a three-and-D wing? A high-energy forward? A change-of-pace guard? Whatever the case, they need to establish where they can contribute immediately.
4. How do you maximize Ta’Niya Latson?
Perhaps the biggest X-factor is Ta’Niya Latson, who led the nation in scoring last season at Florida State with 25.2 points per game. She did so efficiently while also creating offense for teammates (4.6 assists to 3.1 turnovers).
At FSU, Latson had near-total freedom with the ball. That won’t be the case at South Carolina, where she’ll play alongside a deep, talented roster. But as Staley put it, the balance is crucial: you can’t strip Latson of what makes her special, nor can you allow her to overshadow the rest of the team.
The challenge will be finding that middle ground — unleashing Latson’s scoring brilliance while keeping the Gamecocks’ offense flowing through multiple weapons.
