COLUMBIA, S.C. — As the No. 1 ranked South Carolina prepares for their opening game next week, Bree Hall feels optimistic about the team’s prospects.
“I believe our chemistry remains intact. We genuinely care for one another and support each other,” said Hall, a two-time NCAA champion.
That is likely to be concerning news for other teams in women’s college basketball.
The Gamecocks are set to face Michigan on Monday in Las Vegas, aiming for their second consecutive national championship and a third title in four years.
This year closely mirrors the 2023 season when a group led by Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Brea Beal won the championship as juniors but were unable to defend their title after losing to Iowa in the national semifinals.
Te-Hina Paopao, an Oregon transfer who topped the Southeastern Conference in 3-point shooting last season, fondly recalls the close-knit group of players who became champions, finishing that season unbeaten at 38-0—the first team to do so since UConn in 2016.
“The bond we formed is still strong,” Paopao remarked, having made nearly 50% of her long-range attempts last season.
“The affection among us is still there, and we are gearing up for an exciting season.”
Nevertheless, the reigning champions face several obstacles.
They have lost their leading scorer and rebounder, the 6-foot-7 Kamilla Cardoso.
Her anticipated substitute, 6-3 Ashlyn Watkins, who led the SEC with 91 blocks last year, has been unable to practice due to ongoing legal issues stemming from her arrest on assault and kidnapping charges.
Coach Dawn Staley believes the challenges are not more significant than those faced the previous year.
During summer workouts in 2023, the sessions reflected a certain lack of synchronization among players.
The focused discipline brought by Boston and others seemed to be missing this time as the team prepared for another run.
“This group’s mindset was different from what I’ve seen before, making it a tough starting point,” Staley commented.
However, she quickly identified a strong bond among the team members as they recognized the need to step up after losing seven seniors following their defeat by Iowa two years ago.
“I encourage our teams to develop their own identity. They tend to be a playful bunch,” said Staley.
“They enjoy the experience and engage in light-hearted conversations, which was initially bothersome for me. But that is their nature now, and as long as they remain dedicated, competitive, and respectful, I embrace it.”
Staley experienced a busy summer, making numerous appearances during the Paris Olympics, closely followed by a trip to the White House where she and the team were recognized by President Joe Biden for their national title victory.
Although it may seem tiresome, for Staley, it served as the ideal way to relax and mentally prepare for the challenge of repeating as champions, a feat not achieved by her team in her 17 seasons at the helm.
The Gamecocks are not expected to alter their playing style significantly this season.
The team is deep and experienced, with Paopao returning for her fifth year and Hall in her fourth.
Chloe Kitts, a forward known for her unyielding play, has devoted nearly three seasons to mastering Staley’s system.
Despite Cardoso being a key player last season, it was the freshmen who made significant contributions: MiLaysia Fulwiley was named MVP of the SEC Tournament, while Tessa Johnson led the Gamecocks with 19 points in the championship game victory over Iowa in April.
With the addition of newcomers, including 6-3 freshman Joyce Edwards, ranked as the nation’s No. 3 recruit, and experienced transfer Maryam Dauda from Arkansas, South Carolina seems well-positioned to pursue additional championships.
Staley approaches her players as if they have all experienced the joy of winning a national title, fostering the drive that they will achieve it in the months ahead.
“Once you get a taste of victory, the desire to replicate that success is intense,” said Staley.