COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina coach Dawn Staley had two equally important jobs the previous few seasons: Developing her gifted, nationwide championship core lineup and convincing her youthful, just-as-talented prospects that their time would arrive.
It has come this season and quite a bit faster than many anticipated because the Gamecocks moved again to No. 1 following a powerful opening week that included scoring 100 factors or extra in wins towards two ranked opponents, Notre Dame and Maryland.
“I actually think they’re better than last year’s team,” Terrapins coach Brenda Frese stated after the 114-76 loss.
Staley continued loading up with one of the best highschool gamers, even after touchdown a No. 1 recruiting class in 2019 powered by Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke and Brea Beal.
This latest group consists of dynamic freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley, whose spotlight reel, behind-the-back driving basket within the 100-71 win over Notre Dame was the speak of Paris and drew reward from the likes of Magic Johnson.
For many on the surface, the group’s lack of expertise figured to meet up with the Gamecocks. But South Carolina has shared the ball and and shot higher from the surface than when 6-foot-5 All-American Boston was dominating down low.
South Carolina had seven gamers in double figures towards Maryland. None had began for the Gamecocks earlier than this season.
“It’s definitely a statement because a lot of people …” freshman Tessa Jonson stated earlier than pausing.
“Were doubting us,” completed sophomore teammate Chloe Kitts.
Kitts had her first collegiate double-double with 13 factors and 10 rebounds towards Maryland whereas Johnson had 12 factors, seven rebounds, 4 assists and three steals.
“We’re not going to get too comfortable,” stated Kitts, who joined the Gamecocks final December.
Like most of this yr’s roster, Kitts sweated in apply and watched throughout video games this previous spring. All the whereas, Staley preached that Kitts’ time was close to.
“She said that to me a lot, filling me with confidence,” stated Kitts, who averaged six minutes in 18 appearances final season.
Staley had comparable messages for all her backups the final yr or two, figuring out extra enjoying time — 9 of 11 on the roster have been McDonald’s All Americans — may simply be discovered by means of the switch portal. It was a tough steadiness for Staley.
“I know what we do here,” Staley stated. “Everybody who plays here has had to sacrifice.”
That meant getting ready day-after-day like they have been going to start out, even when their minutes got here on the finish of blowout win.
“There’s a lot of stress that comes with starting, of being prepared,” Staley stated. “They’ve got to be able to handle that on a daily basis and they have for the most part. But the season’s still young.”
Staley hasn’t stored all of them. Saniya Rivers was rated the third-best faculty prospect in 2021 when she signed with the Gamecocks and appeared in 27 video games off the bench in the course of the nationwide championship season. Rivers rode within the title parade in Columbia, then determined to go away for North Carolina State, the place she was the Atlantic Coast Conference Sixth Player of the Year final season.
Staley has signed a pair of newcomers for subsequent yr ranked among the many high 26 prospects and simply obtained a pledge Wednesday for ESPN.com’s No. 2 recruit, South Carolina native Joyce Edwards, who selected the Gamecocks over LSU and Clemson.
There are extra checks forward for the younger group. It performs at No. 17 North Carolina on Nov. 30 and can meet No. 4 Utah on Dec. 10 on the house of the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun as a part of the Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase.
Bree Hall, a junior who was a part of the loaded recruiting class in 2021 with Raven Johnson and Sania Feagin, is prepared for all challenges forward.
“I’ve been waiting my two years,” stated Hall, a starter for each wins, “I’m excited to go out there.”
