When Dawn Staley labeled freshman guard Agot Makeer the “X-factor” after the second round of the NCAA Tournament, it sounded like a vote of confidence. By Monday night, it looked more like a prophecy fulfilled.
South Carolina’s 78-52 dismantling of TCU in the Elite Eight wasn’t just about advancing to a sixth straight Final Four—it was about the arrival of a difference-maker. Makeer, coming off the bench, delivered a career-high 18 points in 31 minutes, second only to Joyce Edwards . In a game defined by dominance, her impact stood out as both timely and transformative.
Even opposing players took notice. Maryam Dauda acknowledged that while Makeer may be a freshman on paper, her performance suggested otherwise. That composure under pressure has become a defining trait during South Carolina’s tournament run.
Teammate Raven Johnson captured it best:
“I’ve been saying, ‘Gotti’ is the X-factor of this team. She’s a silent killer. She’s not afraid, she’s not afraid of nobody. I think her confidence is through the roof through the March Madness tournament like it’s showing.”
A Postseason Transformation
Makeer’s surge isn’t just a one-game anomaly—it’s a clear upward trajectory. After averaging just 5.9 points per game during the regular season, she has exploded to 14.8 points across four NCAA Tournament games. That leap reflects more than improved shooting; it signals a shift in mentality.
“Starting in the SEC Tournament I just started approaching games differently,” Makeer said. “And I feel like it wasn’t just one-dimensional thinking. I just wanted to go and do whatever I can to get the team to win. So just in this tournament, I’ve just thought whatever I can do to get this team a win is what I need to do.”
That mindset—team-first, role-flexible—has unlocked her versatility. She’s no longer just a scorer; she’s become a two-way disruptor.
Defensive Edge That Changed the Game
While her 18 points headline the stat sheet, Makeer’s defensive presence was just as crucial. Tasked with guarding TCU star Olivia Miles, she helped turn efficiency into frustration. Miles finished with 18 points but needed 20 shots to get there—a testament to the pressure applied.
Makeer also recorded three steals, two of which ignited a decisive third-quarter run that effectively put the game out of reach.
“I feel like all the assistant coaches and everybody has been putting an emphasis on that for me to rise and just be in that spotlight and stuff,” Makeer said. “So I think in just that moment — I’m in a flow right now.”
Growth Through Adversity
Staley’s belief in Makeer didn’t develop overnight. The freshman’s journey has included injuries, inconsistent minutes, and the challenge of adapting to the college game. But those hurdles may have accelerated her growth.
“I think with Gotti, she was in and out with injuries,” Staley said. “And then we had some other injuries, and she got pushed up to knowing that she was going to play. I do think she’s a different player when she knows she’s going to play. So I think it’s that. And we also just challenged her. We just really challenged her to go out there and be who she is. … Her future is bright.”
That trust—and pressure—has turned potential into production. Her minutes have climbed from 17.3 per game in the regular season to 23.5 in the postseason, reflecting her growing importance.
From Potential to “Vital Piece”
Makeer is no longer a promising freshman waiting for her moment. She’s now central to South Carolina’s championship pursuit.
“We never stopped thinking about the contributions that Agot can give to us. … It’s always like, ‘She’s super talented. When is it going to click?’” Staley said. “And then we just kind of stayed with it, probably even when she didn’t want to stay with it. … She’s playing lights out.”
The timing couldn’t be better. As South Carolina heads back to the Final Four, Makeer’s emergence adds a new dimension to an already elite team. What was once a question mark has become a weapon—and if this “X-factor” continues to deliver, the Gamecocks’ championship ceiling just got even higher.
