HC Dawn Staley gives honest verdict on her South Carolina team: “Today wasn’t one of our best practices”
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley wasn't pleased about the team's status heading to its 2024-25 college basketball season opener against Michigan on Monday.
After two lopsided wins over Memphis and Clayton State in their exhibition games, Staley organized team practice on Friday but wasn't pleased with what she saw three days before their 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT) tipoff against the Wolverines at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Staley appeared cautious during the post-practice interview with the media but the three-time champion coach clarified she wasn't nervous about the team's readiness going into the Michigan clash.
"I did before today. Today wasn't like one of our best practices. But I mean it's a challenge. Let's see how they come back tomorrow and see they'll come back on Sunday," Staley said (2:08)
The veteran coach hopes her players will perform well in the next two practice sessions during the weekend.
"I'm not doubting this team at all. This team prepares well. This team usually has better practices. So I mean I'm not nervous about whether or not they'll be ready to go. I just have to feel good like I want to feel better about going into a game," she said. (2:22-2:44)
South Carolina starts back-to-back title bid against Michigan
South Carolina begins its bid for a second consecutive title against Big Ten Conference power Michigan, who has appeared in six NCAA Tournaments over the past seven seasons.
Just like last season, the Gamecocks play in neutral ground at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dawn Staley and her players know what it's like to open the season with the big lights centered on them.
Last year, South Carolina took on Notre Dame at the Halle Georges Carpentier in Paris, France. The Gamecocks trampled the Fighting Irish 100-71 to win the first of their unprecedented 38-game sweep last season.
Starting the season once more in a neutral court, Dawn Staley and the rest of the team are excited to be back on the court. Sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley thought that a win against Michigan in Las Vegas would start another successful run at the 2025 national title.
Staley wants to see the Gamecocks pass the test against the Wolverines for it would mean they are ready for the challenging games which will follow after that.
The preseason top seeds will take on No. 9 N.C. State on Nov. 10 in Charlotte and face No. 5 UCLA, No. 8 Iowa State and No. 11 Duke between Nov. 24 and Dec. 5.
Staley has been impressed with the team's performance during the offseason and all they need to do is to apply it in the regular season setting where everything is at stake.
Will South Carolina open the 2024-25 college basketball season with a win over Michigan? Let's know your views in the comments section.