If you’ve walked through Columbia lately, the air just feels different. It’s not just the humidity. It’s the weight of a dynasty that refuses to slow down, even when everyone is waiting for the inevitable "rebuilding year." Honestly, what Dawn Staley has done with south carolina basketball women’s isn’t just about sports anymore; it’s a cultural phenomenon.
But let's be real for a second.
Most people look at the scoreboard and see another blowout win—like that 114-47 demolition of Bowling Green or the 121-49 trouncing of Queens—and they think it’s easy. It’s not. This 2025-2026 season has been a weird, beautiful, and sometimes stressful ride for the Gamecocks.
They aren't the same team that went undefeated last year. They’re something else entirely.
That Texas Game and the Reality of Being No. 2
For a long time, South Carolina felt invincible. Then came November 27, 2024. A two-point loss to Texas (64-66) on a last-second shot. It was a jagged pill to swallow.
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That single loss is why you see them sitting at No. 2 in the AP Poll right now, staring up at a unanimous No. 1 UConn. Is it annoying for the fans? Sure. But if you know Coach Staley, you know she probably loves it. There is nothing more dangerous than a Gamecock team with a chip on its shoulder and something to prove.
The schedule hasn't been a cakewalk either. Staley intentionally scheduled heavy hitters like Duke, Southern Cal, and Louisville. They’ve passed almost every test, moving to a 17-1 record. But the "stench" of the SEC—as Texas coach Vic Schaefer recently put it—is real. The conference is a gauntlet this year. When you have nine teams in the Top 25, every Wednesday night feels like a Final Four matchup.
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The sophomore forward is basically a cheat code. She’s averaging over 20 points and 6 rebounds a game. But it’s not just the volume; it’s the efficiency. She looks like a veteran out there, making reads that girls four years older than her struggle with. She was recently named to the Wooden Award Midseason Top 25, and honestly, she might be the frontrunner.
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Then you've got the backcourt.
- Ta’Niya Latson: The Florida State transfer has been exactly what the doctor ordered. She’s a pure scorer who can create her own shot when the offense stalls.
- Raven Johnson: The heartbeat. She’s the one yelling, pointing, and locking people up on defense. She recently talked about how "the standard is win," and you can see that intensity in every defensive rotation.
- Madina Okot: A 6'6" tower of power. She’s averaging a double-double (15.1 PPG, 11.3 RPG) and making life miserable for anyone brave enough to drive into the paint.
Why the "Bench" Problem Wasn't Actually a Problem
Early in the season, there were whispers that South Carolina lacked the depth they usually have. People were worried.
Staley heard it. She fixed it.
She started leaning on the freshmen, Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell. Makeer, specifically, has been a revelation, playing nearly 20 minutes a night and providing a spark when the starters need a breather. And don't forget the mid-season arrival of Alicia Tournebize. A 6'7" phenom from France? In January? That’s almost unfair. She brings a "stretch-big" dynamic that adds a whole new layer to their offensive sets.
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It’s More Than Just Hoops
You can't talk about south carolina basketball women’s without talking about the impact off the court. Dawn Staley is using her platform to lift up HBCUs, taking her team to play at North Carolina Central and hosting Coppin State.
She’s basically saying: "If you won't give these programs the spotlight, I'll bring the spotlight to them."
It's that kind of leadership that keeps the stands at Colonial Life Arena packed. They are leading the nation in attendance again (over 15,000 per game). People aren't just showing up to see a win; they’re showing up because they feel like they’re part of something bigger than a box score.
What to Watch for Next
The road to the 2026 National Championship goes through Columbia, but it won't be easy. Keep an eye on these specific factors as the season hits the home stretch:
- The Texas Rematch: Mark your calendars. The Gamecocks need to prove that the November loss was a fluke.
- Tournebize’s Integration: How quickly can the 6'7" freshman learn the system before the SEC Tournament?
- The Net Efficiency: Currently, USC is hovering around No. 3 in the NET rankings. They need to keep winning by double digits to reclaim that No. 1 spot from UConn or UCLA.
- Health: With a rotation that's tightened up, keeping the "Big Three" (Edwards, Latson, and Okot) healthy is non-negotiable.
The narrative that South Carolina would take a step back after losing stars to the WNBA was fun for a few weeks. But looking at the way they’ve handled the SEC so far, it’s clear: the throne isn't empty yet.
Actionable Insight for Fans: If you're looking to catch a game, don't wait for the post-season. The atmosphere for the upcoming home games against Oklahoma and Vanderbilt will be electric. Check the secondary markets early, as the University of South Carolina Athletics department is reporting near-sellouts for the remainder of the SEC slate.