Think it’s difficult to overrate how much the team will improve simply from giving graduated players’ minutes to others. They were all great Gamecocks and I wish them nothing but success in the pros, but freeing up playing time for others will improve the team.
Ta’Niya was an excellent defender in HS. Have not watched her much in college but I would assume she will at least be coachable in that area. Very quick, under control and good instincts.
Here’s the thing tho that I think Dawn doesn’t get nearly enough credit for. As those players are coming off the bench they are getting controlled experience. They are being developed for game time - not just in practice. It’s why Dawn could lose 5 players in one year from a team that lost 1 game the previous year, and go undefeated the following year. It’s why we lost our top 2 post players from that team and still made the final 4. I also credit it to the fact that Dawn has her core players and she builds around them - through the portal and through recruiting. She and Geno are about the only ones that do that any more.
I hate to keep bringing this up, but her FSU coach did a poor job of emphasizing team defense during Ta'Niya's stay there. They relied heavily upon the individual athletic talents of the players (Timpson, for example).
I think it’s also because she doesn’t always start her most talented players if they’re underclassmen and really values seniority. So when the seniors leave it sometimes can be an upgrade in some terms the following year.
I think Dawn values consistency and disciplined play, which is typically found in the more senior players.
Bingo.
For sure which definitely comes from experience
Agreed, but I'll also say that experience doesn't always come in the form of games started (see Feagin, Sania).
Agreed about only one year at LSU. She’ll find out what Van Lith found out… there’s only one ball, and a couple of All Americans who want it, too. Plus, Mulkey won’t tolerate ill-advised, spontaneous 3 point shots.
Bookmarking both of these posts as there's some potential truth to these thoughts.
I'm not necessarily aiming this response at you, but I do find it interesting that people seem unbothered with the idea of Mulkey having expectations for a player (and disciplining said player who isn't meeting them) but aren't okay with Dawn for having similar expectations (and holding players accountable). What am I missing?
I would hope that she wouldn't entertain this, especially if what's being said about the verbal altercation involving her mother is true. Let that ship sail off into the sunset.
You are presuming it doesn't work for her at LSU but she'd slide back into the starting lineup here? Not so sure.
This! We need to do like the coaches and focus on the ones who actually want to be part of this team. It's a privilege that's not bestowed upon everyone.
Same. Let’s just move on. TBH Dawn is probably relieved she doesn’t have to deal with all the drama anymore. Grab ya popcorn. SEC is going to be must watch TV every night. It’s gonna be a gauntlet. SC, Texas, LSU, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Alabama...Wow. I bet SC/LSU will be a 2 game set this year and Tenn will be paired with Texas.
Alabama lost a lot of talent. I expect a drop off this season but I still agree with your overall premise.
Regarding M Okot, as a Mississippi State fan I was sick to my stomach to lose her. She had been trying to get a visa for at least a couple of years and arrived at MSU in late summer. However she picked up on the offensive and defensive incredibly quickly and showed more consistent flashes of talent as the season progressed. I was looking forward to seeing her after an offseason in the weight room and individual skill work. She does an incredible job of denying the post passes and will get numerous steals or poke the ball to other players. She is also a very good ball handler for her size. She will be your starting post and an outstanding player for you.
I could see Coach Staley welcoming Fulwiley back. I can also see Coach Staley clapping her hands as to say "It is a wrap! We are moving on!" Bottom line, we all are wishing Fulwiley all the best at LSU.
Oh, it’s a wrap.
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