Gamecocks Off-Season 2026 | The Boneyard

Gamecocks Off-Season 2026

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It's officially the off-season. Moving onto next year's team...

[Last updated 4/8]

Outgoing Players:
Raven Johnson (graduating)
Mariam Dauda (graduating)
Ta'Niya Latson (graduating)
Madina Okot (graduating)

Unknown Status:
Ashlyn Watkins (Expected to return)

Incoming Players:
Jerzy Robinson (Freshman G)
Kaeli Wynn (Freshman F) > underwent surgery for dislocated kneecap in Dec 2025. She also had two ACL surgeries before this. She may redshirt and rehab considering the depth we have at her position.
Kelsi Andrews (Freshman F/C) > underwent surgery for a torn meniscus and torn bone cartilage in October 2025. I expect her to redshirt as some cartilage transplants can take up to 2 years to heal depending on severity.

Returning Roster:
Maddy McDaniel (Junior PG)
Tessa Johnson (Senior G)
Ayla McDowell (Sophomore G)
Agot Makeer (Sophomore G)
Joyce Edwards (Junior F)
Adhel Tac (Redshirt Junior F/C)
Chloe Kitts (Redshirt Senior F)
Alicia Tournabize (Sophomore F/C)
 
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Portal Needs IMO: #1 need is a PG and possibly 1 true center if Okot doesn't return

Current depth based on prior roles:
1- Maddie McDaniel, Tessa Johnson/Agot Makeer
2 - Agot Makeer, Jerzy Robinson, Tessa Johnson
3 - Tessa Johnson, Ayla McDowell
4 - Joyce Edwards/Chloe Kitts, Kaeli Wynn(?), Ayla McDowell (four guard lineup)
5 - Alicia Tournabize, Adhel Tac, Joyce Edwards (four guard lineup)
 
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An experienced PG, another guard with some range, and O Edwards would fill the roster.

I'm not sure what Dawn is looking for or what the finances might be though.
 
Of our returning players, I wonder if any are considering leaving for another destination. McDowell’s minutes seemingly declined near the end of the year… would like her to stay, but she may feel left out with Makeer’s star rising.

And Watkins is still a mystery… coming back or not? I think the answer will soon be revealed.
 
USMC(ret) said:
Of our returning players, I wonder if any are considering leaving for another destination. McDowell’s minutes seemingly declined near the end of the year… would like her to stay, but she may feel left out with Makeer’s star rising.

And Watkins is still a mystery… coming back or not? I think the answer will soon be revealed.
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I think Watkins should declare for the draft. To me, she is a player that will excel in the pro game based on her size and athleticism. This is a relatively weak draft and with the new pay scale, why not leave? Refresh my, is she a senior who will graduate?
 
So many questions…
  • How will Kitts and Edwards play together? And Watkins if she returns?
  • What is Tournebize’ ceiling? She needs some skill coaching and some attention from Molly Binetti to get stronger.
  • Will Tac get more minutes once healthy?
  • Can McDaniel be our primary PG?
  • Who has the personality to replace Raven as the unofficial team captain? This one is huge, as Raven was almost an extension of Dawn in the huddle and the locker room.
  • Can the incoming freshmen have the same impact that Makeer and McDowell had this past season?
  • Where will we fall, as a team, in the mix with Texas, LSU, and Vandy?
  • Do we still have any hope for Okot returning, or will she move on to the WNBA?

This stuff keeps me awake at night. We need answers, dammit!
 
.-.
USMC(ret) said:
Of our returning players, I wonder if any are considering leaving for another destination. McDowell’s minutes seemingly declined near the end of the year… would like her to stay, but she may feel left out with Makeer’s star rising.

And Watkins is still a mystery… coming back or not? I think the answer will soon be revealed.
Expand ...
She's coming back.
 
ucbart said:
I think Watkins should declare for the draft. To me, she is a player that will excel in the pro game based on her size and athleticism. This is a relatively weak draft and with the new pay scale, why not leave? Refresh my, is she a senior who will graduate?
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She was not enrolled this year and is expected to rejoin the team after the spring semester ends.
 
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GamecockFam said:
Is she in the portal? Either her or Carnegie from UGA would be great!
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Kymora and Dani are both in!

Ladies, we can find you bags. We just need your signatures on dotted lines.
 
WBBTakeover said:
Kymora and Dani are both in!

Ladies, we can find you bags. We just need your signatures on dotted lines.
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Dang. I edited my post after I went to the other thread and saw that Kymora was in the portal. That was a quick reply! 😆
 
GamecockFam said:
Dang. I edited my post after I went to the other thread and saw that Kymora was in the portal. That was a quick reply! 😆
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I look at it this way. If LSU can take the "hometown kid" from Columbia, we can take the "hometown kid" from Charlottesville. "Hometown kid" doesn't hit the same way it used to.

That said, Dani is taller and a better positional fit with Mouse. I'm just not a "three schools in three years" fan.
 
.-.
WBBTakeover said:
We're going to get Kymora Johnson. Start manifesting it NOW! New version of Johnson & Johnson!!!!
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You’ve been fairly critical of Mo Johnson on occasion. Do you really want her?
 
WBBTakeover said:
I look at it this way. If LSU can take the "hometown kid" from Columbia, we can take the "hometown kid" from Charlottesville. "Hometown kid" doesn't hit the same way it used to.

That said, Dani is taller and a better positional fit with Mouse. I'm just not a "three schools in three years" fan.
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I’m not either but I’m kind of softer on Carnegie there since both transfers have come from coaching changes
 
VA Huskie said:
You’ve been fairly critical of Mo Johnson on occasion. Do you really want her?
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That's a fair question to ask. Most of my criticism of Mo stems from my belief that she's been so poorly coached/managed/developed. I've been steadfast in my criticism of Mox and her staff (who struggled mightily to win ACC games until this past season). To me, there wasn't anyone on that staff who knew the ACC well enough to develop her into a more disciplined PG. Her development seemed to stagnate while at UVA. That's 100% on the staff, not the kid.

If she were to go to South Carolina, that wouldn't be the case. She would be developed further.

So, my answer is "yes". We only need a year to get her right for the WNBA.

Now, if UVA hires Jenny Boucek or Tim Taylor and she stays, I'd support that decision as well.
 
WBBTakeover said:
That's a fair question to ask. Most of my criticism of Mo stems from my belief that she's been so poorly coached/managed/developed. I've been steadfast in my criticism of Mox and her staff (who struggled mightily to win ACC games until this past season). To me, there wasn't anyone on that staff who knew the ACC well enough to develop her into a more disciplined PG. Her development seemed to stagnate while at UVA. That's 100% on the staff, not the kid.

If she were to go to South Carolina, that wouldn't be the case. She would be developed further.

So, my answer is "yes". We only need a year to get her right for the WNBA.

Now, if UVA hires Jenny Boucek or Tim Taylor and she stays, I'd support that decision as well.
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Thanks for your response. I don’t disagree. I’ve also felt that she would benefit significantly from having another “scorer” on the team - particularly a good shooting guard. She sometimes seemed to make decisions based on her being the only true offensive weapon on the team. Lots of good point guards, with complementary shooters, could drive to the basket and pass it out for an open three. She usually tried to drive and take a wild shot, hoping to be fouled, ‘cause there was no reliable shooter to pass it to. On a more balanced team, she’d be even more effective.

Not sure about the Tim Taylor option. I doubt he could attract the level of player necessary to get UVA to the next level.
 
VA Huskie said:
Not sure about the Tim Taylor option. I doubt he could attract the level of player necessary to get UVA to the next level.
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He'd have to have a strong AHC, or he may have to be the strong AHC to a younger option.

ETA: My bad, y'all--back to Gamecocks discussions!
 
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GoChips20 said:
I’m not either but I’m kind of softer on Carnegie there since both transfers have come from coaching changes
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Oh yeah, that's right!

Feeling better about the Dani Carnegie possibility now.
 
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I like the thought! It would add another three point shooter and hard worker but she would probably steal Ayla's minutes.

 
Who is on your transfer/commit wishlist?
Kymora Johnson or Dani Carnegie
Olivyah Edwards

I think those three could find a role on this team and live up to the Gamecock "standard".

We actually may be thinner than expected at the 5 with a possible redshirt on the two freshmen forwards and Tac always seems to be injured. Hopefully we'll learn more about Watkins situation after the season ends and we'll learn Okot's fate soon. There is potential that we have 20 minutes to give a 5 to backup to Tournabize and I would prefer someone with a thicker frame.
 
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Looks like the NCAA are going to just “pocket veto” Madina’s waiver application. Hopefully I’m wrong in the next hour or so or whenever her 48 hr window officially closes.
 
JDuro said:
Looks like the NCAA are going to just “pocket veto” Madina’s waiver application. Hopefully I’m wrong in the next hour or so or whenever her 48 hr window officially closes.
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That's so messed up but on brand for the NCAA.
 
JDuro said:
Looks like the NCAA are going to just “pocket veto” Madina’s waiver application. Hopefully I’m wrong in the next hour or so or whenever her 48 hr window officially closes.
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Well, the window for her to declare for the wnba closed at 6pm.
 
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