USC Gamecocks 2024-25 Season: Part Two

[GamecockFam]

Congrats UConn! You guys handed us our worst loss in probably 5 years. Sometimes it be like that...

 

[TC22]

Thoughts on the UConn game:
1. Total domination by UConn in every phase of the game. Never saw us get boat raced before, but that’s what it was today.
2. This won’t be a popular opinion, but here it is: we’re soft, especially in the paint. Kitts has a lot of determination, and yes, she hits the weight room, but she frequently loses the ball under the basket. Feagin doesn’t fare much better. Edwards needs more muscle. Our three losses showed a common thread: we haven’t replaced Cardoso. Tac not getting meaningful minutes means she’s not the answer, either. Like it or not, our success over the years has been when we had a dominant big.
3. Another poster asked this question: who is our leader inside the lines? Answer: there isn’t one. We have a talented roster, they all get along, and they share minutes without much complaint; but when the train runs off the track, who is willing to pull a teammate aside and get them in line? Raven? Te-hina? To my knowledge, we don’t have a team captain. Everything depends on Dawn’s relationship with each individual player. And maybe that works, but we needed someone today who would hold teammates accountable when turnovers became epidemic. Does not having a dominant personality among our players hurt in this regard?
4. At least it wasn’t a conference game, and LSU lost today. We may have to beat both Texas and LSU in the conference tournament, and we need to fix our problems before the tournament begins. Both Texas and LSU are going to watch the tape of our game today to see how UConn beat us like a drum.

Forever to thee…

I’ve been a season ticket holder for 10+ years. I don’t remember a game where we got drilled like that, even in the Stewie years. You have to tip your hat to UConn though. They were on fire from 3. Not many teams are going to win when the other team hits 13 3s. When you hit from 3 it opens everything up. They were hitting - we were not. It was just one of those days.

Pao Pao is our captain, but she’s not really a fiery get in your face type of leader. She leads more by example. Raven, Breezy and Sania are just great student athletes who do what they are asked to do. Ash was the voice on the court. Dawn will do to Joyce what she did with Aliyah and A’ja. She’ll be the leader next year and will be great at it. Until then, IDK.

The tournament is going to be nuts. Texas has the easiest schedule from here on. They won’t lose another game. We have at Ole Miss, at Vandy, Arkansas and Kentucky. Not an easy last 4 games at all. LSU plays at Kentucky, at Alabama, Ole Miss and Georgia.

That top 4 is still a little up in the air.

Tennessee is in 9th place right now….NINTH. If they end up there they won’t have a bye and will have to play on the first day. IDT they’ll stay there but that’s where they stand today.

In the whole scheme of things it was one game. I’ve no doubt we will move on, and we know we CAN play better. For 5 games against ranked teams in the middle of our season we were just making all the right moves. We need to get back to that.

We also need to credit UConn. They have 3 #1 recruits on their team. Think about that for a minute. We’ve had 1…ever. That’s the best roster in WBB. It just is. They played like it today.

 

[NoSpamHere]

I've been a UConn fan for decades and I have to say our "Rivalry" with you has been most enjoyable, without regards to the outcome of the individual games. Tennessee was a holy war. ND was like spanking your little sister. Playing your crew is really just the two biggest kids on the playground fighting hard for bragging rights, but still able to hang out afterwards and gossip about all the other little people who think they're all that

Anyways, good luck the rest of the way. Hopefully we get our National Championship revenge this year too

 

[Puppy Love]

SC fans- what’s your opinion on why Fulwiley doesn’t start/play more? She’s really terrific and such a burst of energy.

 

[HuskyNan]

Elite 6'4+ post players out of high school in WCBB are a rarity. The fact that SC had 4 back-to-back-to-back-to-back is an even bigger rarity (Coates-Wilson-Boston-Cardoso). I think it might've spoiled us into thinking "who's next up"

I know, right? There are UConn fans that seem to think Geno should sign 2-3 players that are 6-5 or 6-6 every year. I dunno, maybe there’s a Land of the Giants somewhere.

 

[Geew1992]

SC fans- what’s your opinion on why Fulwiley doesn’t start/play more? She’s really terrific and such a burst of energy.

Not a SC fan, but from what I've read from other SC fans, Dawn is loyal. Since Raven was there before Fulwiley, that's why. Not saying I agree. SC is getting zero offense from Raven.

 

[VAUConnFan]

SC fans- what’s your opinion on why Fulwiley doesn’t start/play more? She’s really terrific and such a burst of energy.

Inconsistency. It appears that Coach Staley does not trust her in crucial late game situations. Fulwiley will figure it out eventually.

 

[VAUConnFan]

Not a SC fan, but from what I've read from other SC fans, Dawn is loyal. Since Raven was there before Fulwiley, that's why. Not saying I agree. SC is getting zero offense from Raven.

Raven is going to have a very difficult decision to make come season's end. Her draft stock has not risen and, if she returns, it could very well be to a reduced role. The trajectory of her shot comes off too flat with very little touch. Finding her in this tough spot makes me root harder for her.

 

[GCKSFN4L]

SC fans- what’s your opinion on why Fulwiley doesn’t start/play more? She’s really terrific and such a burst of energy.

Inconsistent, she's a great talent and can take over a game rather easily but her decision making is the biggest issue.

Sometimes she gets into her "overtime" mode and it's at the detriment to the team. It's great when she's hitting but disastrous when it's not. She's a high volume shooter and despite her playing lower minutes among the rotational players she has the highest usage rate and field goal attempts for the team, while also not that efficient.

There's also the defense, she at times doesn't take the defensive side of the ball as seriously from game to game. She's a great defender when she chooses.

Also for those asking, Fulwiley would take Pao Pao place in the lineup not Raven. Fulwiley is everybit of a shooting guard first and foremost. Not to mention that she's currently in the negatives for her ast/tov ratio.

I say all this to say that there's more to her coming off the bench than just seniority. Dawn typically likes a spark off the bench and that's what she provides. Our starting lineup usually consist of consistent and reliable players in their roles. If it was strictly about seniority then Sania or Ashlyn would have started over Chloe last year as well.

 

[Puppy Love]

Inconsistent, she's a great talent and can take over a game rather easily but her decision making is the biggest issue.

Sometimes she gets into her "overtime" mode and it's at the detriment to the team. It's great when she's hitting but disastrous when it's not. She's a high volume shooter and despite her playing lower minutes among the rotational players she has the highest usage rate and field goal attempts for the team, while also not that efficient.

There's also the defense, she at times doesn't take the defensive side of the ball as seriously from game to game. She's a great defender when she chooses.

Also for those asking, Fulwiley would take Pao Pao place in the lineup not Raven. Fulwiley is everybit of a shooting guard first and foremost. Not to mention that she's currently in the negatives for her ast/tov ratio.

I say all this to say that there's more to her coming off the bench than just seniority. Dawn typically likes a spark off the bench and that's what she provides. Our starting lineup usually consist of consistent and reliable players in their roles. If it was strictly about seniority then Sania or Ashlyn would have started over Chloe last year as well.

There’s something about her game that just makes it a joy to watch. You have to think that she will grow out of the consistency issues, and then look out world.

 

[GamecockFam]

Inconsistent, she's a great talent and can take over a game rather easily but her decision making is the biggest issue.

Sometimes she gets into her "overtime" mode and it's at the detriment to the team. It's great when she's hitting but disastrous when it's not. She's a high volume shooter and despite her playing lower minutes among the rotational players she has the highest usage rate and field goal attempts for the team, while also not that efficient.

There's also the defense, she at times doesn't take the defensive side of the ball as seriously from game to game. She's a great defender when she chooses.

Also for those asking, Fulwiley would take Pao Pao place in the lineup not Raven. Fulwiley is everybit of a shooting guard first and foremost. Not to mention that she's currently in the negatives for her ast/tov ratio.

I say all this to say that there's more to her coming off the bench than just seniority. Dawn typically likes a spark off the bench and that's what she provides. Our starting lineup usually consist of consistent and reliable players in their roles. If it was strictly about seniority then Sania or Ashlyn would have started over Chloe last year as well.

In response to @Puppy Love, this is basically my opinion as well. She is a feast or famine kind of player. Typically she shines brighter when the competition gets tough but when things goes wrong, they tend to compound -- she starts trying to force shots and play out of control.

She is going to be an All-star player after she works on her mentals, gets better at reading the defense and can perform in control at the fast pace she likes to play at.

 

[triaddukefan]

Rest up, heal up and get ready for the home stretch.

 

[WBBTakeover]

SC fans- what’s your opinion on why Fulwiley doesn’t start/play more? She’s really terrific and such a burst of energy.

There's more to basketball than highlight plays.

 

[Creature]

I don't believe Tac was a fall back at all.

Tac was offered late in 2023

 

[Bone Dog]

Inconsistent, she's a great talent and can take over a game rather easily but her decision making is the biggest issue.

Sometimes she gets into her "overtime" mode and it's at the detriment to the team. It's great when she's hitting but disastrous when it's not. She's a high volume shooter and despite her playing lower minutes among the rotational players she has the highest usage rate and field goal attempts for the team, while also not that efficient.

There's also the defense, she at times doesn't take the defensive side of the ball as seriously from game to game. She's a great defender when she chooses.

Also for those asking, Fulwiley would take Pao Pao place in the lineup not Raven. Fulwiley is everybit of a shooting guard first and foremost. Not to mention that she's currently in the negatives for her ast/tov ratio.

I say all this to say that there's more to her coming off the bench than just seniority. Dawn typically likes a spark off the bench and that's what she provides. Our starting lineup usually consist of consistent and reliable players in their roles. If it was strictly about seniority then Sania or Ashlyn would have started over Chloe last year as well.

I still remember that first game against ND last year in Paris. Another 29 pt win that really showcased Milaysia specifically against Hidalgo, and I think she held her own. I thought I was looking at the future of the SC backcourt. She had 17 pts, 6 assists and 6 steals in 26 minutes. Granted, Hannah scored 31 pts with 3 assists and 6 TOs. But it was one of those eye-catching performances that probably costs your team the game.

I thought for sure that Milaysia was the next PG. She has all the tools on offense, defense and passing. What she didn't seem to have yet was the judgment, and maybe she hasn't developed it yet. But I really can't see her as a shooting guard. Her 3 pt percentage isn't good enough for that. At least not yet. Maybe she can develop that side of her game the way Olivia miles did over last summer. I just think with so much quickness and court speed, she should have the ball in her hands as much as possible, but not necessarily be the main shooter.

Maybe the problem has been that she was cursed by that game in Paris to wanting to play too much like Hannah and hasn't shaken that idea out of her head. She is certainly quick enough to do much of what Hannah does. But on SC, there's other things more important for her to do.

 

[jake0414]

Question re: the SEC Tournament. If both South Carolina and Texas win out both will finish with 15-1 conference records and will have split their two meetings. Which team receives the #1 seed and most likely avoids LSU, presumably the #3 seed, until a possible championship game?

 

[Baller29]

Question re: the SEC Tournament. If both South Carolina and Texas win out both will finish with 15-1 conference records and will have split their two meetings. Which team receives the #1 seed and most likely avoids LSU, presumably the #3 seed, until a possible championship game?

I would rather avoid TN or Ole Miss than LSU

 

[visitingcock]

Question re: the SEC Tournament. If both South Carolina and Texas win out both will finish with 15-1 conference records and will have split their two meetings. Which team receives the #1 seed and most likely avoids LSU, presumably the #3 seed, until a possible championship game?

Coin flip

 

[GamecockFam]

Coin flip

I thought you were joking but I looked it up and ...you're right.

But that doesn't feel right. I feel like there should be more steps with the coin flip as the last resort -- like head to head record, margin of victory in head to head if 1-1, highest ranked team in AP poll, etc.

 

[visitingcock]

I thought you were joking but I looked it up and ...you're right.

But that doesn't feel right. I feel like there should be more steps with the coin flip as the last resort -- like head to head record, margin of victory in head to head if 1-1, highest ranked team in AP poll, etc.

Sometimes the joke is found in the truth

 

[cancontent]

I thought you were joking but I looked it up and ...you're right.

But that doesn't feel right. I feel like there should be more steps with the coin flip as the last resort -- like head to head record, margin of victory in head to head if 1-1, highest ranked team in AP poll, etc.

How about rock, papers, scissors, lizard, Spock in a best 2 out of 3 format?

 

[JstVisiting]

Crazy for Charlie Creme to say a 4 point lead on the road might justify a committee decision on the same night Texas trailed a worse team for 29:59 and Notre Dame lost to a non-contender at home.

 

[GamecockFam]

Crazy for Charlie Creme to say a 4 point lead on the road might justify a committee decision on the same night Texas trailed a worse team for 29:59 and Notre Dame lost to a non-contender at home.

Yeah they're hating on us right now. But we got the dub, so I expect Notre Dame to move to a 2 seed if we beat Kentucky on Sunday. I think we also want to root for UCLA to beat Southern Cal on Saturday so it doubles our odds of being back on the 1 line.

 

[jumpstart]

Yeah they're hating on us right now. But we got the dub, so I expect Notre Dame to move to a 2 seed if we beat Kentucky on Sunday. I think we also want to root for UCLA to beat Southern Cal on Saturday so it doubles our odds of being back on the 1 line.

There are only two designations for the regionals so why does it matter if you are a 1 seed or a 2 seed? South Carolina was a 1 seed in Spokane and that looked like a very doable set up for them with the other teams in the regional match ups they would have faced. Birmingham is no different if you are going to be in either of those cities for a little over a week. They are still neutral sites, and you still have to beat the best to get the title. If match ups are a problem, then it's going to be a problem everywhere. I see no advantage at this point either way that would alter the chances of getting a title. I would think injuries are the biggest issue. If everyone is healthy then all is good and up to the girls.

 

[GamecockFam]

There are only two designations for the regionals so why does it matter if you are a 1 seed or a 2 seed? South Carolina was a 1 seed in Spokane and that looked like a very doable set up for them with the other teams in the regional match ups they would have faced. Birmingham is no different if you are going to be in either of those cities for a little over a week. They are still neutral sites, and you still have to beat the best to get the title. If match ups are a problem, then it's going to be a problem everywhere. I see no advantage at this point either way that would alter the chances of getting a title. I would think injuries are the biggest issue. If everyone is healthy then all is good and up to the girls.

Part of it is just reputational for the program and keeping the image thriving. Also, it was stated during the Ole Miss game that we will be among an elite group of teams who have earned a 1 seed in five consecutive NCAA tournaments.

I also think that being a higher seed leads to an easier path to the final four. Favorable matchups always play a role in the tournament. But honestly, like you were saying, I would take our last grouping of Notre Dame, South Carolina, Tennessee and Oklahoma in a heartbeat as I think those are all favorable matchups for the Gamecocks.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

There are only two designations for the regionals so why does it matter if you are a 1 seed or a 2 seed? South Carolina was a 1 seed in Spokane and that looked like a very doable set up for them with the other teams in the regional match ups they would have faced. Birmingham is no different if you are going to be in either of those cities for a little over a week. They are still neutral sites, and you still have to beat the best to get the title. If match ups are a problem, then it's going to be a problem everywhere. I see no advantage at this point either way that would alter the chances of getting a title. I would think injuries are the biggest issue. If everyone is healthy then all is good and up to the girls.

Beyond maintaining streaks and prestige and perception there really isn't much at stake between #1 seed and #2 seed except the potential color of your jersey in the regional final.

I think being blown out by UCLA was humbling and being blown out by UCONN was alarming.

I don't disagree with the growing perception that SCar is flawed and maybe not a 1 seed.

But the resume suggests otherwise...I think.

I dont think there are actual downsides to over scheduling for contending teams, but to whatever extent being a #1 seed matters, losing it would largely be a factor of scheduling UConn.

But I'm not someone who thinks you have to ignore the information learned from games simply because the teams had the courage to play them.

The UConn win was revealing and confirming of weakness.

Not taking it into account would be wrong too.

But yes, Creme saying a close game on the road at halftime with an NCAA caliber team that plays close games is a black mark. That annoyed the hell out of me.

 

[Bigboote]

One who doesn't normally follow this thread chiming in:

I just noticed Chloe got a triple-double last night. I hadn't seen it mentioned, so thought I'd give credit where it's due. I'm mildly surprised that the third double is assists rather than blocks or steals. Now I wish I'd recorded the game.

 

[JstVisiting]

I don't disagree with the growing perception that SCar is flawed and maybe not a 1 seed.

But the resume suggests otherwise...

Reports of our demise are greatly exaggerated.

UCLA is the best team and UConn has the most top end talent. Avoid UCLA and avoid a 13-28 shooting night from UConn and we can win it.

We're suddenly the anti-Notre Dame. The Irish were getting pumped up all year and "they're only ranked (wherever) because they don't get to play as many good teams! They should be even higher!" Well, congratulations. You finally played some more good teams.

 

[jumpstart]

One who doesn't normally follow this thread chiming in:

I just noticed Chloe got a triple-double last night. I hadn't seen it mentioned, so thought I'd give credit where it's due. I'm mildly surprised that the third double is assists rather than blocks or steals. Now I wish I'd recorded the game.

ESPN does record the games if you have a provider. Go to WATCH...schedule & replays and at the top pick the date and scroll down to the game and click. Easy enough.

 

[jumpstart]

Reports of our demise are greatly exaggerated.

UCLA is the best team and UConn has the most top end talent. Avoid UCLA and avoid a 13-28 shooting night from UConn and we can win it.

We're suddenly the anti-Notre Dame. The Irish were getting pumped up all year and "they're only ranked (wherever) because they don't get to play as many good teams! They should be even higher!" Well, congratulations. You finally played some more good teams.

It's so bunched at the top that the truly best team could easily be knocked out with an off night. I don't know who the best team is but that's where the parity has brought us. It's going to take a lot of luck....and luck only happens when opportunity meets preparation.