"We're not very disciplined": Dawn Staley seems sour despite 60-game win streak
Dawn Staley's South Carolina Gamecocks beat Coppin State 92-60 on Thursday, recording their 60th straight win at home (41st overall, including away games), Staley, though, had some criticism for her team.
MiLaysia Fulwiley, the 19-year-old Curry Brand athlete, led all scorers with 23 points, while Chloe Kitts secured a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Yet, Dawn Staley seemed a bit unhappy, as she felt that her team wasn't disciplined:
"I learned that at times we're not very disciplined."
The Gamecocks went off the books on multiple occasions, leading to several ill-advised shots to please the crowd, which led to lapses on defense.
Is Dawn Staley right about "discipline" issues in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Gamecocks went on a 38-0 run last season to bring the NCAA championship home, but all good things come to an end.
Kamilla Cardoso, who was undoubtedly their best player last season, graduated and moved on to get drafted in the WNBA. She was the #3 overall pick and went to Chicago Sky.
Considering Cardoso's discipline and focus on playing basketball instead of off--court antics, it won't be far-fetched to say that Staley is missing a player like her on the team.
Cardoso's absence may be a contributing factor to aggravating Staley's need for discipline. While showmanship and crowd-pleasing might work against a team like Coppin State, it won't be acceptable to Staley if her team does the same in March.
Who could replace Kamilla Cardoso as South Carolina's #1 option?
Chloe Kitts and MiLaysia Fulwiley dominated the game on Thursday night and have consistently been two of the most reliable players on the team.
As Fulwiley has a Magic Johnson-esque touch to her style of play, Kitts will have to take charge on aspects like rebounding, post-op plays and taking good open shots.