SC Gamecocks 2023-2024 in season thread

[Gamecockfan77]

I understand your designation of “100+ points against 3 straight opponents” but would point out that our next opponents, South Dakota State, is generally year in and year out, better than P-5 Clemson.

For our SOS, I hope Clemson ends up a Quad 2 and SDS as a Quad 1 (SDS is presently a Quad 1 in RPI {28} but not in NET {38}though it’s gonna be tough for the latter because we are playing them at home.)

Somebody with talent is gonna bring a slowdown game against us. I hope we can be disciplined enough to beat it.

I don't think we're going to have to worry about the SOS.

I think overall teams are probably still going to want to make Raven, Hall and Fulwiley win the game from the perimeter in the half court. That's the poison I'd choose.

I will say that the classic South Carolina problem has been that we put good players on the floor who in the end weren't always willing scorers. That's not the issue last year.

It obviously has been an extremely unselfish squad this year, but being baited into quick shots could be an issue. They took some very early and not so great threes vs Clemson. Not a problem but something to worry about maybe evolving into one.

Other than that I think you have to have some concern about penetrating guards surrounded by shooters. Dawn talked about that a lot this week.

 

[bballnut90]

I think Watkins is probably the best forward on the team and I'm not sure all the reasons she comes off bench, but in any event bringing Ashlynn and Fulwiley off the bench has been pretty devastating for the first three opponents.

I thought I read here that she's prone to lapses when playing more than 4-5 minute stretches where Kitts is more consistently higher energy and hustle, so that's why Kitts is starting. I actually like Kitts better as a starter to pair with Cardoso since she can hit midrange and is a weapon from the high post which helps with Cardoso's spacing inside, plus Kitts has good length and defense well. By bringing Watkins in off the bench, she can play either the 4 or 5, and you get a surge of athleticism and energy, plus you still have a top tier shot blocker if she subs for Cardoso.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

I get the impression that Dawn believes Watkins is not maximizing her potential so she is making her come off the bench because it'll light a fire under her. Also, I think Kitts "needs" to be a starter because she needs the accolades to build her confidence. Those are just my opinions based on a few things I've seen in the background of interviews and from things the coaches and players have said. So all in all, I think Dawn selected her starters in a strategic manner using that "PG mentality" to maximize the output from each player.

Yeah, I think it works obviously and it might be the best way to develop them.

Waves of athletes seems to be wearing teams out. They haven't slowed the pace at all in any game. Part of it is players hungry for playing time.

I do recall old times where starting upperclassmen would sometimes lead to slow start and the team digging an early hole.

I'm not super concerned about it though.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

I thought I read here that she's prone to lapses when playing more than 4-5 minute stretches where Kitts is more consistently higher energy and hustle, so that's why Kitts is starting. I actually like Kitts better as a starter to pair with Cardoso since she can hit midrange and is a weapon from the high post which helps with Cardoso's spacing inside, plus Kitts has good length and defense well. By bringing Watkins in off the bench, she can play either the 4 or 5, and you get a surge of athleticism and energy, plus you still have a top tier shot blocker if she subs for Cardoso.

Personally, I'm as confident in a mid-range from Watkins and Feagin.

I do think Kitts has an energy and aggression and confidence that plays pretty well.

I've been vocal in saying that I do t think she's the shooter (and certainly not the guard/wing) some of our fans decided she was for whatever reason, but I think I said over the offseason it wouldn't necessarily surprise me if she beat out Watkins and Feagin.

Dawn has clearly had reservations about both to some degree. I think Kitts is a better option than Saxton and Amihere were for different reasons.

 

[TC22]

The biggest difference from last year to this year is we have 5 players ALWAYS on the floor who aren’t afraid to shoot. Dawn has said she has encouraged the run and gun mentality to an extent. Pao Pao has been the consistent outside threat

 

[Coburn]

Personally, I'm as confident in a mid-range from Watkins and Feagin.

I do think Kitts has an energy and aggression and confidence that plays pretty well.

I've been vocal in saying that I do t think she's the shooter (and certainly not the guard/wing) some of our fans decided she was for whatever reason, but I think I said over the offseason it wouldn't necessarily surprise me if she beat out Watkins and Feagin.

Dawn has clearly had reservations about both to some degree. I think Kitts is a better option than Saxton and Amihere were for different reasons.

as good as they were on defense, one of the biggest issues we had with Amihere, & a lesser extent Saxton, was catching and finishing underneath and on the break. Watkins, Feagin, & Kitts are all showing much better ability in that regard with the passes they are receiving imo.

 

[Tngamecock]

Raven Johnson is a defensive nightmare for opposing guards. She and Pao Pao are the glue on this team. Hall, Johnson, Fulwiley are like Eveready Bunnies.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

The biggest difference from last year to this year is we have 5 players ALWAYS on the floor who aren’t afraid to shoot. Dawn has said she has encouraged the run and gun mentality to an extent. Pao Pao has been the consistent outside threat

That want to shoot. Also they are currently moderating that by mostly only taking good shots and moving the ball to teammates.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Right on cue:

https://x.com/pivot_analysis/status/1725529454141690098?s=46&t=2nV5cGYGkLxDHNLLcwzWpg

 

[JDuro]

Decent company.

 

[triaddukefan]

A friend of mine wants to know who plays PF for yall... And who is the backup Center.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Kitts, Watkins, Feagin.

They play two forwards most of the time Cardoso is out, but i guess Sakima Walker might technically be the backup Center.

 

[visitingcock]

Kitts, Watkins, Feagin.

They play two forwards most of the time Cardoso is out, but i guess Sakima Walker might technically be the backup Center.

No. Watkins is first off the Bench at 4 and 5. That may change as Sakima gains experience but until then, Watkins iis first option behind Kamilla. Watkins is leading the nation in blocked shots as a backup.

 

[visitingcock]

https://amp.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-womens-basketball/article282130538.html

Dawn re: Pos Poa & Tessa injuries

 

[Dognusty]

I don't think we're going to have to worry about the SOS.

I think overall teams are probably still going to want to make Raven, Hall and Fulwiley win the game from the perimeter in the half court. That's the poison I'd choose.

I will say that the classic South Carolina problem has been that we put good players on the floor who in the end weren't always willing scorers. That's not the issue last year.

It obviously has been an extremely unselfish squad this year, but being baited into quick shots could be an issue. They took some very early and not so great threes vs Clemson. Not a problem but something to worry about maybe evolving into one.

Other than that I think you have to have some concern about penetrating guards surrounded by shooters. Dawn talked about that a lot this week.

Missing the two best shooters made this team look like last year. Pao Pao and Tessea changes this game.

 

[GamecockFam]

Missing the two best shooters made this team look like last year. Pao Pao and Tessea changes this game.

Sort of. Sure, collectively it was a bad shooting day from 3 and Paopao/Tessa would have helped. Last year's team was a one trick pony on offense where we found varying ways to feed the post to generate offense. I think this team has three basic categories of generating offense: feeding the post, fast breaks and three pointers. We had a bad night in one of the three categories, but we still pulled away thanks to dominating the other two ways we generate offense.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Sort of. Sure, collectively it was a bad shooting day from 3 and Paopao/Tessa would have helped. Last year's team was a one trick pony on offense where we found varying ways to feed the post to generate offense. I think this team has three basic categories of generating offense: feeding the post, fast breaks and three pointers. We had a bad night in one of the three categories, but we still pulled away thanks to dominating the other two ways we generate offense.

Another difference is that the 3 and 4 are much more willing to score.

But this performance will probably inform a lot of defenses.

Still probably best to force outside shooting from Hall and Raven and Fulwiley if you're choosing what to give up.

 

[jumpstart]

South Carolina seemed to be just going through the motion against SDS. The spark that comes off the bench was starting and I really think that changed the dynamic of the game. They were missing the inside shots and layups not just the 3 point shots. It was an off night that teams have and to win by 40 on an off night....geez....

 

[Creature]

One of the 3 - Hall, Fulwiley or Johnson needs go be more consistent 3pt shooters. Need to be coached up by Winston
Edit note:Fulwiley is st 36%
Hall and Johnson need to right ship

 

[Gamecockfan77]

One of the 3 - Hall, Fulwiley or Johnson needs go be more consistent 3pt shooters. Need to be coached up by Winston
Edit note:Fulwiley is st 36%
Hall and Johnson need to right ship

I'm not saying they can't hit them I'm saying you take your chances with it over the other options.

MF seems to be hot and cold which might be explained by the unorthodox setup.

 

[TC22]

Any time you are missing a starter it’s going to throw a team off and especially a young one like we have. It messes up the entire rotation.

MF, Raven and Ashlyn put the opposing guards under unbelievable pressure last night. That was fun to watch. We have already played more full court pressure than we did the last 3 years. That was the game changer last night.

 

[GamecockFam]

Any time you are missing a starter it’s going to throw a team off and especially a young one like we have. It messes up the entire rotation.

MF, Raven and Ashlyn put the opposing guards under unbelievable pressure last night. That was fun to watch. We have already played more full court pressure than we did the last 3 years. That was the game changer last night.

Jah gave good minutes when she came into the game. She was very disruptive as well...but she needs to work on her decision making during fast breaks. I feel like her split second hesitation messed up her game.

 

[TC22]

Jah gave good minutes when she came into the game. She was very disruptive as well...but she needs to work on her decision making during fast breaks. I feel like her split second hesitation messed up her game.

Yea, IDK WHAT happened on that fast break lay-up.

 

[Creature]

Class Rankings 2024. No LSU

2024 women's college basketball recruiting rankings: Updated top 25 classes

We break down the top 25 recruiting classes after the early signing window.

www.espn.com

 

[Creature]

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