Dawn is a great recruiter and a very good coach. But even Geno has said in his interviews, UCONN has been playing the last 4-5 years with one hand tied behind their backs with injuries. No doubt SC would've been right there or maybe even beat us on occasion but it would not have been that lopsided if not for the injuries. For Geno to have even gotten those teams to is quite amazing. What Geno can do with a full stable of horses (dawgs), well we know what other coaches will say (F*&%k)
The coming battle for the National Championship
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RockyMTblue2
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I've theorized that the SEC paradym is defense and get to the rim and it has deeply affected what Dawn goes looking for. Pesky highly savy guards just aren't in her vocabulary of ball.
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YES ... how easy it is for some to forget all those injuries to key players ... year after year.
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UConn was at a disadvantage due to multiple injuries for most, if not all of those games.
Exactly and SC will not beat us in the near future if they don’t have a couple of consistent shooters emerge. They don’t scare me at all as currently constructed. Teams with a balance are more scary to play against and I dont think that’s them. They will always be good, but lack shooting.
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I share the same level of optimism as most of you as far as UConn's chances to repeat with what they are returning and what they picked up. However, it seems a lot of us are overlooking the impact that the loss of Ashlyn Watkins had on SC last year in terms of shot-blocking and rim protection and she'll be back next season. She was money in their 2024 championship run and if she can get back to close to 100% in 2026 that's not an addition for them to be taken lightly.
Also, I can't help but flash back to how UConn beat Mississippi State 98-38 in 2016 and managed to lose to them in 2017. Teams that UConn blew out (i.e., UCLA and SC) in 2025 will have a huge chip on their shoulder and it can't be taken for granted that what happened last year will automatically happen again this year.
Also, I can't help but flash back to how UConn beat Mississippi State 98-38 in 2016 and managed to lose to them in 2017. Teams that UConn blew out (i.e., UCLA and SC) in 2025 will have a huge chip on their shoulder and it can't be taken for granted that what happened last year will automatically happen again this year.
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oldude
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Some thoughts on basketball philosophy in the modern era. Pat Summitt was one of the two greatest coaches in the history of WBB. She won 8 national championships with a pretty simple philosophy. Recruit tough, athletic kids, coach’em up, play defense and rebound. That’s not to say that TN didn’t have some great offensive players. But they leaned on their defense and rebounding in the biggest games.
It’s been 13 years since Pat coached her last game. But her influence on WBB is still there. SC and TX are two prime examples of the Pat Summit philosophy. Even UCLA with their reliance on pounding the ball inside to Betts plays a version of the physical, grind it out style of play that Pat championed.
On the other side, you have Geno and a number of coaches who realized that low scoring, grind it out games, where teams are separated by a few points, are inherently risky to play over and over. As a result, Geno did more than any other coach to pioneer sophisticated offensive basketball that includes heavy reliance on up tempo transition, spreading the floor and a motion offense. Other coaches like MM, Niele Ivy, Lindsay Gottlieb and even Kim Mulkey have embraced high scoring, motion offenses.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that either philosophy is right or wrong. But when you look at the surge in popularity of WBB relative to the arrival of CC & Paige in the W, or future pro stars JuJu, HH and Azzi, there is little doubt that the future of WBB relative to recruiting, fan and alumni support and winning championships will be tied to OFFENSE!!!
It’s been 13 years since Pat coached her last game. But her influence on WBB is still there. SC and TX are two prime examples of the Pat Summit philosophy. Even UCLA with their reliance on pounding the ball inside to Betts plays a version of the physical, grind it out style of play that Pat championed.
On the other side, you have Geno and a number of coaches who realized that low scoring, grind it out games, where teams are separated by a few points, are inherently risky to play over and over. As a result, Geno did more than any other coach to pioneer sophisticated offensive basketball that includes heavy reliance on up tempo transition, spreading the floor and a motion offense. Other coaches like MM, Niele Ivy, Lindsay Gottlieb and even Kim Mulkey have embraced high scoring, motion offenses.
That doesn’t necessarily mean that either philosophy is right or wrong. But when you look at the surge in popularity of WBB relative to the arrival of CC & Paige in the W, or future pro stars JuJu, HH and Azzi, there is little doubt that the future of WBB relative to recruiting, fan and alumni support and winning championships will be tied to OFFENSE!!!
oldude
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If she does this year, it will be the first time.
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I think Coach Staley will depend on her freshman Agot and Ayla to help out Tessa and Ta’Niya with three point shooting and scoring from the perimeter in general. Raven and Maddie will also be counted on to make threes but on a lesser scale.
Tessa has potential to be one of the best shooters in the country, especially with more minutes and volume. She has shot 43% from 3 both her freshman and sophomore years. Playing her with a 3 level scorer like Latson should open up a lot of space for not only her but also give SC’s posts and forwards to more room to work. Something the team last season lacked was a consistent scorer who can break down defenses and get to the rim at will. They have that now in Latson, and as much as I love Hall and Paopao, neither could do it consistently enough to make defenses play them straight up. Fulwiley could but often times once she got to the rim she would throw something wild up or get called for charges for being out of control. With Latson’s scoring and play making ability, it should get a lot of players open to hit shots. Agot and Ayla by all accounts are very good shooters and three level scorers so I’m sure the coaching staff is confident they’ll be able to bring that and contribute day 1.
This team honestly has more height, length, shooting potential, and athleticism than many of Dawn’s previous teams. They remind me of the 2019-2020 squad that had a nice blend of senior leadership and youth. It’s going to be interesting to watch it play out.
Tessa has potential to be one of the best shooters in the country, especially with more minutes and volume. She has shot 43% from 3 both her freshman and sophomore years. Playing her with a 3 level scorer like Latson should open up a lot of space for not only her but also give SC’s posts and forwards to more room to work. Something the team last season lacked was a consistent scorer who can break down defenses and get to the rim at will. They have that now in Latson, and as much as I love Hall and Paopao, neither could do it consistently enough to make defenses play them straight up. Fulwiley could but often times once she got to the rim she would throw something wild up or get called for charges for being out of control. With Latson’s scoring and play making ability, it should get a lot of players open to hit shots. Agot and Ayla by all accounts are very good shooters and three level scorers so I’m sure the coaching staff is confident they’ll be able to bring that and contribute day 1.
This team honestly has more height, length, shooting potential, and athleticism than many of Dawn’s previous teams. They remind me of the 2019-2020 squad that had a nice blend of senior leadership and youth. It’s going to be interesting to watch it play out.
oldude
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SC has a problem not unlike UConn’s next year. It will be interesting to see how Dawn finds PT for all those shooters on a roster that includes Watkins, Edwards, Kitts, Tac, Dauda & Okot.
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Respectfully not true-Adhel Tac is 6ft6 and just as athletic as Okot
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Think the best thing that happen to Tessa is that the BF transferred to Memphis
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Before UCONN takes the court in the fall, they need to resolve one thing... more than anything else. It’s their identity and that will be dependent on who is the leader. New management can change an entire business. Many candidates, but every Husky isn’t built to be the leader of the pack. There are obvious candidates….Azzi, KK, Sarah…and a longshot…maybe Serah. Paige brought points and toughness, but the latter will be harder to replace. IMO…this is battle #1.
oldude
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Unless I’m wrong, neither Okot or Tac starts next year for SC. So maybe we’re looking at 10-15 mpg for each, and that begs the question what about Dauda, Watkins & Edwards PT?
oldude
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The reassuring answer to your question is that regardless of which star players and leaders move on each season, UConn WBB always replaces them with outstanding leaders the following season.
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I'm not as optimistic about the freshmen as you seem to be. But I agree that Taniya adds something that was missing and could be a difference maker. She's a better all-around scorer than Paopao was and a quicker defender. I also think the loss of Ashlyn midseason was critical, and her return will be equally critical, if she can finish her rehab and get back up to speed early enough. Without her in the lineup, Chloe was forced to take on rebounding and rim protection roles that stretched her capabilities too far, in my opinion. She just isn't strong enough or quick enough to replace Ashlyn. And I don't think Agot or Ayla will be ready for that challenge. I like the look of Maddie, but I suspect she's still a year away from being an adequate replacement for Raven. And though Tessa was my favorite recruit in that class, and seemed like an absolute steal to me at the time, I'm not sure she's developed as much as Dawn needed to see last season. I'm cautiously optimistic about her for next season. And I worry about the loss of Bree as much as that of Saniya -- those were two quick, strong athletes to lose and there doesn't seem to be any clear replacements for them.
In my view, the core of the team will be Raven Taniya Ashlyn Joyce and some platoon of the other bigs (Maryam, Okot, Adhel) at the 5, with Chloe Tessa and Maddie coming off the bench. I'll be surprised if the rotation in February is much different that this, barring injury. This is the group that will carry SC into the tournament.
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I agree I truly think she can focus and add an impact as a starter. A lot of ppl are sleeping on this team. I think they’ll rise to the occasion.
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You mean like Allisha Gray, Tyasha Harris, Destanni Henderson, and Zia Cooke etc? C'mon, be serious.
oldude
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Sleeping on this team? You do realize that ESPN picked SC as the preseason #1 team in the country?
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Ayla and Agot are guards. Neither one will likely have to replace Chloe or Ashlyn in the lineup. Both will be at the 2 or 3 position and by all accounts look ready for the College game. Neither will probably start but to say they can’t provide minutes off the bench is a bit disingenuous. I think those two as well as Maddie will provide good depth at the guard spots behind Raven, Tessa, and Ta’Niya. Tessa still has plenty of room to grow with two years left. She’s far from her potential and as someone stated above, with her Boyfriend gone she can focus and play her game this year.
Breezy’s defense and athleticism will certainly be missed but SC has athletes and potential defenders to replace her. They’re also better bucket getters as well.
I don’t see the rotation playing out that way. Especially with the need of shooting. Joyce will probably get some time at the 3 but I don’t see her playing there primarily and Watkins will likely come off the bench as a defensive spark versus being a starter. Chloe will start. She might not play starter minutes but she will definitely be out there to start the game. Agot and Ayla’s shooting, defense, length and overall intangibles will get them minutes. And Maddie will certainly get a lot of time after Raven considering she’ll be running point the year after.
YKCornelius
Yukon to my friends
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Hmmmm.....the theme of the Gamecocks losing junior Ashley Watkins halfway through the season, and the speculation of how her subsequent absence impacted both blowout losses to the Huskies, has been raised by quite a few posters. It is an interesting conversation. It goes hand in hand with the hopeful, positive speculation that SC fans have regarding Ashlyn's productivity going into next year.
However, while I appreciate the optimism of Gamecock posters regarding Ashlyn Watkins going into her senior year, I do not share in that optimism. Over 14 games this past year she averaged only 7.2 ppg and 6.1 rpg as the second or third big coming off the bench. Both were lower than than the previous year (9.2 and 7.4, respectively) while playing alongside Cardoso. With Cardoso gone, wouldn't it make sense for Watkins' averages to go up, not down?
Ashlyn has proven to be a defensive presence. but has not yet proven to be an offensive threat.
Watkins is undeniably athletic and certainly changes the SC flow when she is in the game. Well, so was and so did Fulwiley.
I think SC is an outstanding program, and next year's team should be favorites for the SEC crown, and therefore a favorite for a number one seed in the NCAAT, and for making it to the FF. That said, for the Gamecocks to improve as a team from this past year, Watkins is going to have to make significant improvement offensively. SC lost over 30 ppg to departing players. Ashlyn's three year average of 7.3 ppg, while taking 5-6 FGA, and a 54.7% FT percentage simply won't suffice.
Heading into her final year, hopefully she is putting in a lot of summer work in order to get much, much better. Not just for Gamecock Nation. The 2026 WNBA draft is less than 11 months away.
However, while I appreciate the optimism of Gamecock posters regarding Ashlyn Watkins going into her senior year, I do not share in that optimism. Over 14 games this past year she averaged only 7.2 ppg and 6.1 rpg as the second or third big coming off the bench. Both were lower than than the previous year (9.2 and 7.4, respectively) while playing alongside Cardoso. With Cardoso gone, wouldn't it make sense for Watkins' averages to go up, not down?
Ashlyn has proven to be a defensive presence. but has not yet proven to be an offensive threat.
Watkins is undeniably athletic and certainly changes the SC flow when she is in the game. Well, so was and so did Fulwiley.
I think SC is an outstanding program, and next year's team should be favorites for the SEC crown, and therefore a favorite for a number one seed in the NCAAT, and for making it to the FF. That said, for the Gamecocks to improve as a team from this past year, Watkins is going to have to make significant improvement offensively. SC lost over 30 ppg to departing players. Ashlyn's three year average of 7.3 ppg, while taking 5-6 FGA, and a 54.7% FT percentage simply won't suffice.
Heading into her final year, hopefully she is putting in a lot of summer work in order to get much, much better. Not just for Gamecock Nation. The 2026 WNBA draft is less than 11 months away.
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You do know there’s other outlets and pundits than ESPN right? Also fans of Tennessee, Texas, LSU, and even some of you all expect us to be weaker next year, so yes a lot of people are sleeping on this team.
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I agree on Hall but I think Staley recruited her replacement. I don't believe either Makeer or McDowell handle the ball well enough yet to play guard. And I don't think Makeer understands or plays defense well enough and lacks enough strength for Staley to play her rotation minutes at this point. However, McDowell is a 6-2 classic wing who shoots and rebounds well enough to absorb the bulk of Hall's minutes very early in the season.
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PacoSwede
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yup.
however, i believe geno had more than that guiding his philosophy. he knew that his way was more entertaining for the fans. that is a key to him; he sees storrs as the Broadway of college basket and the huskies must put on a great show. it is important.
also, it makes for a more fun game for his players ('play smart, play hard, and have fun' has long been the motto posted in the locker room). it helps them have the realistic, right approach to the sport -- easing the pressure to win and always perform at their best. ... clearly, some players (all?) struggle dealing well with that and thus underperform.
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Respectfully neither has a resume and Tac coming off an injury.
oldude
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Has any outlet rated SC any lower than 3? Because outside of UConn & UCLA, I would be fascinated to see the rationale behind any other team ahead of the Gamecocks.
As for fans of TN, TX & LSU, what would you expect them to say? As for me personally, I don’t expect SC to be weaker next year. I do expect the Huskies to be stronger however.
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Alisha Gray and Ty Harris may disagree with you on this point.
Huskee11
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Who knew? Not me, but a big shout out to Tessa's BF for helping UConn get number 12. Thanks, dude.
We will take the help wherever we can get it.
Begs the question of exactly why getting BF out of town is a good thing, but ok.
I like her as a player, lots of length, does everything well, I can see her playing for a long time in the WNBA.
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Don’t think they will have to handle the ball all that much with Johnson, McDaniel, and Latson likely on the court either them. I think defense can be taught and strength definitely can be added. Agot coming off a PCL injury likely won’t be thrust into heavy action early but she’ll definitely be a key rotational piece. Dawn helped turned PaoPao defense around, Agot already has the intangibles so I think she’ll be fine.
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