4 SEC players who could pose a challenge to Dawn Staley's South Carolina in 2024-25 season ft. Flau’jae Johnson
South Carolina is in a perfect position to eye a back-to-back title. Dawn Staley led an undefeated run last season, winning the NCAA title to end Caitlin Clark's magical college basketball journey.
South Carolina's strength comes through its coaching and rotation. The program did not feature a single star or a star duo in its championship run, resulting in different players leading the team in scoring, assists, and rebounds in almost every other game.
However, Staley will feature a different roster this time around. Teams across the circuit also see incoming talent through the transfer portal, helping them strengthen their overall roster. With that, let's look at three candidates who challenge the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2024-25 season.
Raegan Beers, and 3 other SEC players that can challenge Dawn Staley's South Carolina in the 2024-25 season
#3 Georgia Amoore - Kentucky Wildcats
The transfer averaged 18.6 points on 41.2% shooting, along with ACC leading 6.8 assists the previous season. She was assumed to be a first-round pick had she entered the 2024 WNBA draft. Nevertheless, Amoore is a proven leader and can be a huge factor in Kentucky’s potential success.
While Kentucky might not become a dominant force right away, Georgia Amoore's presence has already drawn significant transfer players to the program. With that, expect Kentucky to put up a solid contest against the Gamecocks in the 2024-25 season.
#2 Raegan Beers - Oklahoma Sooners
The 6-foot-4 forward brings exactly what the Sooners were looking for in their first SEC season: strength, size, and paint protection. The former Oregon State player led the program last season with 17.5 points and 10.6 rebounds. Moreover, she had the best efficiency in the nation, with a 66.4% accuracy.
Moreover, Raegan Beers' ability to operate from the post will give the Sooners a fair chance against the Gamecocks, especially in the absence of Kamilla Cardoso. The presence of three-point shooters in Oklahoma can keep Dawn Staley’s crew on their toes.
#1 Aneesah Morrow and Flau’jae Johnson - LSU Tigers
Despite Angel Reese’s presence on both ends of the floor, Johnson averaged 14.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists last season. More impressive was Morrow’s performance as she averaged a double-double (16.4 ppg and 10.0 rpg) throughout the season.
Together, Flau’jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow can not only hold LSU against the defending champions but also contend for the NCAA title.