South Carolina Freshmen Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell Stepping Up Big in Early Season Surge
Just four months ago, few expected Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell to be key contributors for South Carolina women’s basketball this early in their careers. But only three games into the season, the two freshmen have already carved out significant roles — and they’re playing with the confidence of veterans.
Makeer has emerged as the Gamecocks’ top player off the bench, averaging 7.7 points per game. Even though she missed the fourth quarter against Bowling Green, she’s made her mark in big moments — including a clutch three-pointer against Clemson that helped turn a 10-point lead into a dominant 28-point victory.
McDowell, meanwhile, is averaging 6.7 points per game, making her the second-highest scorer off the bench. She’s impressed with her defensive intensity and ability to hit open shots, posting 11 points in the win over Bowling Green.
“Both of them, that’s our expectations for them now,” said teammate Tessa Johnson. “They’re not playing like freshmen out there.”
With Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins sidelined due to injuries, the Gamecocks are down to just 10 healthy players, forcing the freshmen into more prominent roles. While some might assume the short roster sped up their development, Coach Dawn Staley insists their growth is based on merit.
“Whether we had a full roster or not, they would play because they are smart, they are bringing something to the table we haven’t had on a consistent basis,” Staley said. “They can shoot the basketball. They have a willingness to play. They have some bravado about them that you like. They’re not just blending in; they’re doing what they do best all the time and on a consistent basis.”
Both players credit the program’s leadership for helping them adjust to the college level.
“(Khadijah Sessions has) poured into me but also held me accountable, which I think is the best,” Makeer said. “She believes in me, and all the coaches believe in me, so it’s been really good.”
After scoring 11 points against Bowling Green, McDowell also acknowledged the impact of her teammates. “I think just effort-wise, I did pretty good, but it all comes from my teammates,” she said. “They pour in so much to me, like confidence-wise, and that’s what increased my performance tonight.”
When Makeer struggled in the exhibition against North Carolina — committing five turnovers and three fouls — Staley took responsibility for not preparing her better in practice.
“I think we have to make some adjustments with her, as far as getting the Highlighters to play a little bit more aggressive,” Staley said. “She’s a great passer. She’s got great court vision. She just needs to make quicker decisions with the basketball. But she’s a high-IQ player, and she’ll adjust.”
Makeer says that having Staley’s support has been a huge confidence booster. “I feel like coaches having confidence in players drives a player,” she said. “Having her in my ear and telling me just go and do what you do, I think it’s been really important.”
With two transfers — Ta’Niya Latson and Madina Okot — and four new starters, nearly 40% of the roster is new, creating an environment focused on learning and chemistry-building. That’s benefited the freshmen immensely.
“Even though a lot of people are new here, everyone’s willing to learn and willing to help each other,” Makeer said.
For McDowell, the biggest adjustment has been discipline. “The only difference for me from high school is how disciplined you have to be,” she said. “You have to be very, very disciplined, especially under Coach Staley. That’s the main thing I’m focusing on.”
Makeer currently brings more to the offensive end, while McDowell’s strength lies in defense — something Staley has praised repeatedly.
“I thought Ayla did a really good job in just continuing to fight, just continuing to play, giving multiple efforts defensively and on the boards,” Staley said after the Bowling Green game. “Some people need to take a page out of her book because, if we can play like that, it’ll clean up some of the mishaps that we have out there.”
Next up for the Gamecocks is their toughest challenge yet — a showdown with Southern Cal in the Real SC Series, where they’ll face off against another standout freshman, Jazzy Davidson.
It’s early in the season, but Makeer and McDowell have already proven that the future of South Carolina basketball remains in very capable hands.
