South Carolina wrapped up its trip to Las Vegas with a split record at the Players Era Championship. Despite the mixed results, the Gamecocks left with valuable insight into what’s working — and what still needs sharpening.
1. South Carolina’s Frontcourt Is Already Elite — and Still Rising
The combination of Joyce Edwards and Madina Okot continues to look more dangerous each week. The two young stars often appear to alternate highlight moments — one second Edwards is hitting a smooth, A’ja Wilson–style jumper, and the next Okot is leading a fast break despite standing 6-foot-6. And according to Dawn Staley, they’re still just scratching the surface as a duo.
“I don’t know what the ceiling is for either player, but I know they haven’t reached it,” Staley said.
Okot already ranks inside the top 15 nationally in rebounding and is trending toward the top five in double-doubles. Meanwhile, Edwards is evolving into a multi-dimensional offensive force — equally comfortable creating for others or taking over as a scorer. Staley is pushing her to grow even more.
“Next step is you’ve got to be able to make plays, plays for yourself and plays for your teammates,” Staley said. “That’s the next step. I think she had about three shots in the fourth quarter that were kind of forced. But we give her the leeway to do that. But she just has to be aware because I think she had Tessa (Johnson) in a corner. Just being aware. She’s a young player that we have to put her in situations and show her situations in real time.”
Another bright spot: Adhel Tac looks ready to reintroduce herself after nearly two years lost to injuries. Her slow start this season has quickly turned promising, and she’s now showing flashes of the top-tier post player she was projected to be.
“I think we found someone that we’re a little more comfortable with putting in the game in Adhel Tac,” Staley said. “(Tac) gave us valuable minutes. And I like her energy and effort out there, and I like her rebounding.”
2. The Bench Must Deliver More Punch
Scoring depth was a clear weakness in Las Vegas. The Gamecocks got 11 bench points against Duke, but just two against Texas. Several factors contributed to the dip:
- Maddy McDaniel, who was expected to be USC’s top reserve, still isn’t in full game condition.
- Raven Johnson took on a heavy defensive load guarding Texas star Madison Booker, limiting McDaniel’s opportunities.
- Minutes were tough to balance between rising posts Tac and Maryam Dauda.
- Freshmen Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell, despite their early-season sparks, are still learning how to consistently earn Staley’s trust.
Despite the concerns, there are reasons for optimism. McDaniel continues to provide instant energy when she checks in, and her minutes will naturally grow. Tac had a breakout week, including her first career double-double, and was the first sub off the bench in both Vegas games. Dauda contributed six rebounds in just 10 minutes against Duke. And the freshmen? Still hugely talented — just working through normal growing pains.
Staley, for one, believes in the group.
“I like our team,” Staley said. “I like the fact that they gutted it out, and I like the fact that again we could see where we faltered, and when you can see that and when you have people in the game that understand it a little bit better, we’re moving the chain. We’re going to move the chain in practice; that’s the most important thing.”
3. The Gamecocks Are Just Fine — No Panic Needed
The Texas loss resembled an SEC Tournament game: quick turnaround, emotional swings, and the kind of choppy performance that often comes with back-to-back games. A win would have been nice, but the rematch on January 15 means far more in the long run.
And some of USC’s struggles simply won’t repeat themselves — the Gamecocks aren’t likely to shoot 5-for-18 on layups in a half again. If anything, the ability to consistently get to the rim was a positive sign.
Individually, several players showed encouraging flashes:
- Ta’Niya Latson and Tessa Johnson were up and down, but each delivered key moments. Latson proved her clutch DNA with a late steal and game-tying free throws.
- Raven Johnson continues to quietly craft a career-best season — with highs in scoring, field-goal percentage, three-point percentage, assists, and her second-best rebounding numbers. Her elite defense remains unchanged.
South Carolina isn’t a finished product, but neither is any contender at this point. The Las Vegas showcase brought together several top programs, and every team walked away with things to improve. In the big picture, the Gamecocks are right where they need to be.
