Staley Maintains Strategic Silence on Guard Injuries Before Tennessee Showdown
COLUMBIA — South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley is employing strategic ambiguity regarding the availability of three starting guards ahead of Sunday’s critical matchup with Tennessee, keeping the Lady Vols’ game-planning in flux until the final hour.
Injury Report Remains Fluid
When asked on February 5 about star guard Ta’Niya Latson’s status for the February 8 contest between No. 3 South Carolina (23-2, 9-1 SEC) and No. 17 Tennessee (3 p.m. ET, ABC), Staley smiled cryptically while labeling her questionable.
Less than 24 hours later, pressed for clarification on whether any players were definitively ruled out, Staley maintained her calculated vagueness.
“Definitely out two days out, everybody’s full go for right now,” Staley said, adding that more concrete information would emerge in the SEC injury report publishing February 7 at 8:10 p.m. ET.
The report will receive a final update approximately one hour before tipoff—likely providing the most accurate assessment. Precedent suggests caution: Latson was listed as questionable on the Wednesday night report before her Texas A&M game before being downgraded to out immediately before tipoff.
Staley has offered minimal detail regarding Agot Makeer, who exited early in the first quarter against Auburn on January 29 with an unspecified lower leg injury. She has missed the last two games and was observed working on a stationary machine away from team drills during the February 6 practice huddle.
Latson, still wearing a brace on her left knee, stood with the team during practice. She missed the second half of the Auburn contest and has been sidelined for two consecutive games alongside Makeer.
Tessa Johnson was held out of the second half during South Carolina’s victory over Mississippi State on February 5, though her situation appears less severe.
“She’s just banged up,” Staley explained postgame. “We afforded ourselves to get a big lead and not (having to) put her in a situation where she could hurt herself more. She’s just a little sore so we opted to keep her out and get her ready for the Tennessee game.”
Tournebize’s Aggressive Approach Earns Praise
Freshman Alicia Tournebize continues her mid-season adjustment to American college basketball after arriving from France’s professional ranks. The 6-foot-7 post player is averaging four points, 2.4 rebounds, and three fouls per game—numbers that might concern some coaches but not Staley.
When asked whether Tournebize’s foul rate stems from officiating differences between European professional leagues and NCAA competition, Staley acknowledged the pace adjustment while embracing the underlying competitiveness.
“Probably the game is a little bit quicker here,” Staley said. “I actually don’t mind because that means she’s fighting back.”
Tournebize recorded eight points, three assists, three rebounds, and four fouls against Mississippi State, demonstrating productivity despite foul trouble. Staley particularly praised her ability to remain effective while carrying four fouls—a sign of maturity for any player, especially a freshman adapting to a new basketball ecosystem.
“What I did like was her ability to play with four fouls,” Staley said. “She played a long stretch with four fouls. So every step she’s learning, growing and she’s acclimating. I know she may turn the ball over or may foul at this junction of her career, but it’s all great data to get her ready for what’s about to happen, and to get her ready to help us.”
Super Bowl Allegiance Declared
Despite her beloved Philadelphia Eagles’ absence from this year’s championship game, Staley remains invested in Sunday’s Super Bowl outcome—largely due to personal connections.
“I gotta go with Ray Ray’s man,” Staley said, referencing point guard Raven Johnson, who is dating Nick Emmanwori.
Emmanwori, a rookie defensive standout for the Seattle Seahawks, was drafted in 2025 after starring at South Carolina. His ankle injury sustained on February 4 drew Staley’s concern, though she expressed confidence in his toughness.
“I got an association with the Seahawks and Nick so bring it on home Nick. I know your ankle … I know you’re gonna do whatever you need to do to play,” Staley added.
When asked whether she would wear an Emmanwori jersey while coaching on February 8—similar to her tradition when the Eagles play—Staley playfully deflected responsibility.
She jokingly threw Johnson under the bus, noting she was supposed to receive a signed jersey from the couple but hasn’t yet received it.
With Tennessee looming and injury uncertainty persisting, Staley’s poker face remains intact—a tactical advantage in a rivalry where every competitive edge matters. Fans, opponents, and media alike will wait until game day to learn which version of South Carolina’s backcourt takes the floor against the Lady Vols’ relentless pressure.
