Gamecocks Off-Season 2026

[GamecockFam]

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

[Last updated 4/6]

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

Unknown Status:
Madina Okot (5th year NCAA waver unresolved)
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)

 

[GamecockFam]

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)

 

[Gamecockfan77]

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.

 

[USMC(ret)]

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.

 

[ucbart]

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.

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?

 

[USMC(ret)]

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!

 

[Gamecockfan77]

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.

She's coming back.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

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?

She was not enrolled this year and is expected to rejoin the team after the spring semester ends.

 

[WBBTakeover]

We're going to get Kymora Johnson. Start manifesting it NOW! New version of Johnson & Johnson!!!!

 

[Gamecockfan77]

We're going to get Kymora Johnson. Start manifesting it NOW! New version of Johnson & Johnson!!!!

Now, I started manifesting that a long time ago.

 

[WBBTakeover]

Now, I started manifesting that a long time ago.

I won't lie. So did I.

UVA's run had me nervous a bit. Thankfully, Mox was Mox.

 

[JDuro]

Previous thread link:

Gamecocks 2025-2026 Season

 

[GamecockFam]

We're going to get Kymora Johnson. Start manifesting it NOW! New version of Johnson & Johnson!!!!

Either her or Carnegie from UGA would be great!

 

[WBBTakeover]

Is she in the portal? Either her or Carnegie from UGA would be great!

Kymora and Dani are both in!

Ladies, we can find you bags. We just need your signatures on dotted lines.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Kymora and Dani are both in!

Ladies, we can find you bags. We just need your signatures on dotted lines.

Either would work.

 

[GamecockFam]

Kymora and Dani are both in!

Ladies, we can find you bags. We just need your signatures on dotted lines.

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! 😆

 

[WBBTakeover]

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! 😆

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.

 

[triaddukefan]

The more things change the more they stay the same. Little C and their greedy claws