Dawn Staley Says Gamecocks Already ‘Behind Schedule’ as Preseason Practice Begins
South Carolina women’s basketball officially tipped off preseason practice this week, but head coach Dawn Staley admitted the Gamecocks are already “a little bit far behind.”
Despite having worked out together throughout the summer, the defending national champions are juggling roster turnover, new faces, and missed time that Staley says has set them back.
Returning Leaders, New Challenges
South Carolina brings back major contributors such as top scorer Joyce Edwards, leading rebounder Chloe Kitts, and point guard Raven Johnson. However, the program must also replace three starters, SEC Sixth Woman of the Year MiLaysia Fulwiley, and an assistant coach.
To fill the gaps, Staley turned to a powerhouse recruiting class and one of the nation’s best transfer groups. With expectations of contending for another national championship, the newcomers must adapt quickly.
Among them is Ta’Niya Latson, last year’s NCAA scoring leader at Florida State (25.2 ppg) and now the nation’s leading active scorer. Latson joins senior transfer Madina Okot as a headliner, but her arrival in Columbia has generated the most buzz.
“She just wants to win. She wants to get better and improve her positioning in being a pro,” Staley said of Latson. “Will we need her to do some of the same things that she did for Florida State? Absolutely. Can we help her see some other stuff by just having a more seasoned basketball team when it comes to like tournament playing… it will definitely help her. And she will definitely help us.”
For Latson, the move was about championships, draft preparation, and playing in front of sold-out crowds. For South Carolina, she fills last year’s void of a true go-to scorer.
Old Chemistry, New Boost
Latson isn’t coming in alone — she reunites with high school teammate and best friend Raven Johnson. Their bond gives the Gamecocks a ready-made backcourt chemistry.
“Oh, it’s amazing. It’s wonderful. I just read her,” Johnson said. “It’s like another Kamilla, honestly. I love her and I’m glad she’s here.”
Staley hopes their connection not only smooths Latson’s transition but also helps Johnson rebound from a quieter season.
Freshmen Making Strides
South Carolina’s roster also features freshmen Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell, both promising but relatively unknown. Early impressions from coaches and teammates have been positive.
“They’re good. Their IQ for the game of basketball, I’ve never seen it from a freshman,” Johnson said. “They learn really fast… they want to win, they want to learn.”
Staley agreed, praising their confidence as much as their talent.
“They’re blending in nicely,” she said. “They’re not shy about putting the ball up. I like that.”
A New Face on the Sidelines
The Gamecocks also welcomed assistant coach Wendale Farrow, replacing Winston Gandy, who left to become head coach at Grand Canyon. Farrow, a California native, was swayed to join South Carolina by the program’s track record of assistants moving into head coaching jobs.
“Yes, I did mention the fact that the seat he would be in, two guys have gotten head coaching jobs,” Staley said with a smile. “That was enough to get him to consider it… He did say he is a southerner now.”
Why They’re Behind
Despite all the excitement, Staley says the team is lagging behind schedule — largely due to summer absences.
Edwards and McDowell both competed in the AmeriCup Tournament, while McDowell also played in the U19 World Cup alongside Makeer. Edwards later returned to Chile for the 3X3 Nations League.
“This offseason was kind of like no other,” Staley explained. “We didn’t have our entire team here this summer… We really didn’t do anything besides learn some offensive concepts, and that’s not much. We’re a little bit far behind.”
Instead of building team chemistry, the Gamecocks focused on individual skills and development.
“This team really works hard,” Staley said. “They are extremely coachable. We are gaining ground from not having put a lot in, so we’re making up for it with the intangible pieces.”
South Carolina has just under a month to pull it all together before its first exhibition against Anderson on October 24.
