College hoops analyst points out 1 big weakness in Dawn Staley’s South Carolina team
Head coach Dawn Staley and the South Carolina women's basketball team began the 2024-25 season with aspirations of securing a second consecutive national championship. However, one analyst believes the Gamecocks have one major flaw which will prevent them from lifting the trophy.
On Nov. 4, ESPN published an article with multiple analysts listing their preseason predictions on surprise teams, breakout players, and potential contenders for the Final Four in Tampa, Florida.
One of the predictions, written by Michael Voepel, discussed South Carolina's chances of winning back-to-back titles. Voepel notes the success the Gamecocks have had in past seasons due to having star players in the interior who displayed talent that can translate to the WNBA. However, he does not see that this season.
"The Gamecocks have had a future WNBA draft lottery pick post player on their roster every season but one since 2014-15. It was A'ja Wilson from then until 2018. From 2019-2023, Aliyah Boston filled that role. Last season, Kamilla Cardoso had the best of her three years at South Carolina. One of the current Gamecocks could reach that level. But right now, South Carolina doesn't have that caliber of experienced player in the paint. That could be a challenge," Voepel said.
South Carolina's expectations for the 2024-25 season
Voepel is not wrong in noting this detail about the team. A'ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and Kamilla Cardoso starred as leaders throughout their respective stints with the program, leading South Carolina to NCAA Tournament glory while showcasing their potential for the WNBA. At this moment, the Gamecocks don't have that level of talent on the interior returning to the program.
The Gamecocks started their season with a 68-62 home victory over the Michigan Wolverines on Monday night in Las Vegas, Nevada. Chloe Kitts was a standout with a double-double of 19 points and 14 rebounds. Tessa Johnson finished with 15 points, while Joyce Edwards put up 10 points and seven rebounds.
South Carolina has become a consistent national contender under Staley, winning two championships in the last three years. Last season was historic for the program with a perfect 38-0 record as the Gamecocks defeated Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes in the national championship game. Before the 2024-25 season started, Staley had a 440-106 career record with the Gamecocks, winning three national championships and leading the program to 12 NCAA Tournament appearances in 16 seasons.
While some may be skeptical towards this team's chances of repeating, it's hard to doubt Staley when it comes to maintaining South Carolina's status as a national title contender. South Carolina next faces North Carolina State on Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. ET.