USC Gamecocks - The Offseason 2025

[GoChips20]

Dawn was asked about the schedule being lighter and said it wasn’t in regards to what she said last year about playing fewer tough games if the committee wouldn’t reward them for it (I still don’t follow that as we were a #1 seed). She said it’s difficult to get teams to schedule SC. I don’t doubt that but I really don’t think Geno dodged SC after beating us by a combined 50 last year so I’d really like to know why the series ended.

 

[cancontent]

Dawn was asked about the schedule being lighter and said it wasn’t in regards to what she said last year about playing fewer tough games if the committee wouldn’t reward them for it (I still don’t follow that as we were a #1 seed). She said it’s difficult to get teams to schedule SC. Idon’t doubt that but I really don’t think Geno dodged SC after beating us by a combined 50 last year so I’d really like to know why the series ended.

Agreed. Things didn't work out this year. Personally, I don't envy these programs trying to set up the best schedule possible.

 

[visitingcock]

Dawn was asked about the schedule being lighter and said it wasn’t in regards to what she said last year about playing fewer tough games if the committee wouldn’t reward them for it (I still don’t follow that as we were a #1 seed). She said it’s difficult to get teams to schedule SC. I don’t doubt that but I really don’t think Geno dodged SC after beating us by a combined 50 last year so I’d really like to know why the series ended.

The last time the series renewed, we faced two less SEC games each year than now. UConn was also required to face two less Big East teams each year. That cramps the post New Year schedule. Plus, UConn added the Vols during that period each year. Both sides agreed before this year that the series would not renew

 

[Geew1992]

I’ve long been impressed by Tessa, ever since her high school years. I’m surprised by the defensive numbers, if only because Bree seems to be a bit bigger and more physical presence, and Dawn knows how to work with those types. Absolutely agree about Tessa’s offensive potential.

I am also not surprised by Milaysia’s offensive numbers, even though she can be dazzling at times. I am intrigued (and frankly amused) by Kim’s expectation that she can make her into a PG. I just can’t see Milaysia running a multifaceted offense. All in all, I think swapping her out for Latson is a net gain for Dawn.

I’m sad to say it but I think Raven’s decision to stay one more season was a mistake both for her and for the team. It’s not that she isn’t a really good PG and a good leader. She is both. But it may just be time to give Maddy the starting PG job. Raven is not likely to gain much by staying and Dawn’s offense may well begin to stagnate.

We saw how well it worked for Hailey Van Lith

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Dawn was asked about the schedule being lighter and said it wasn’t in regards to what she said last year about playing fewer tough games if the committee wouldn’t reward them for it (I still don’t follow that as we were a #1 seed). She said it’s difficult to get teams to schedule SC. I don’t doubt that but I really don’t think Geno dodged SC after beating us by a combined 50 last year so I’d really like to know why the series ended.

I was under the impression that UConn didn't want to play the game early and SCar didn't really like playing it in the SEC schedule but was willing.

I still have the idea that some of this light scheduling is teams trying to cut costs and max revenue.

 

[SCGamecock]

Some good Gamecock recruiting news with the ESPN rankings update. I know some of us are anxious about the '26 class, but if Dawn can close strong with about 3 of the players here then it'll be a success IMO.

• I think Vukosa and Robinson are UConn bound... we'll see.
• Wynn is down to SC and Stanford (ugh.. always hate our chances versus them).
• I think SC is probable for Andrews and Okafor. Would LOVE to see Emily McDonald come onboard, she can score in bunches and we need offense.
• Rumor has it Okeke is still considering going straight to pro, but if not, wooo boy is somebody getting a player.. of course Geno is involved here (when is he retiring?)
• Fagan is down to SC, Texas and USC.. visited the Trojans earlier this week.

 

[Bone Dog]

I think Vukosa and Robinson are UConn bound... we'll see.

I hope you’re right about UConn. But after A’ja’s season in the W, I wonder if Olivia might be reconsidering. If Dawn could get those top two, that would be the core of the next dynasty.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Dawn seems to be on her third or fourth alternative plan but they've all pretty been decent plans.

Okot is listed as a senior but having only been three years in the states you wonder whether they will try to find another year of eligibility. No one has said so, but it's hard to see how Juxo might not count but school in Ala foreign country would.

Badly need a PG behind McDaniel and a rotation guard/wing who might slide in to replace Latson or play behind Tessa.

But if Watkins returns it's not a bad roster. Just not a very complete one.

 

[JDuro]

 

[JstVisiting]

2026 is a historically weak class across the South. From Virginia to Louisiana, Harpring is the only girl in the top 25. There’s one more from suburban Atlanta in the 30’s and two from Tennessee in the top 50, and that’s it, outside of the national basketball academies in Florida. I don’t think we offered anyone but Harpring of the four.

In contrast, a more standard 2027 sees 8 of the top 25 from the South, plus one at Montverde and a handful from Texas.

 

[visitingcock]

2026 is a historically weak class across the South. From Virginia to Louisiana, Harpring is the only girl in the top 25. There’s one more from suburban Atlanta in the 30’s and two from Tennessee in the top 50, and that’s it, outside of the national basketball academies in Florida. I don’t think we offered anyone but Harpring of the four.

In contrast, a more standard 2027 sees 8 of the top 25 from the South, plus one at Montverde and a handful from Texas.

You are leaving out #21, Kelsi Andrews, who now plays at one of Florida’s “ national basketball academies” but is from a little Alabama high school near Auburn

 

[GamecockFam]

I put this on my watchlist and listened this morning. Sounds like he was brought onto the staff to help develop our guards and wings, and bring some of the offensive concepts used at Southern Cal (and probably to recruit the West coast kids).

The commentary on each player really got me juiced -- everyone is taking it to another level this season!

Just like Raven and Tessa, coach Farrow went wide-eyed when talking about Okot too. I'm getting pretty confident she will be a starter because this is becoming a common theme. Also, just like Raven, he mentioned her three point shot. Basically I'm getting the impression that she'll be a mobile big like Kamilla that shoot threes at a high clip.

 

[JstVisiting]

You are leaving out #21, Kelsi Andrews, who now plays at one of Florida’s “ national basketball academies” but is from a little Alabama high school near Auburn

I figured some of those girls might be, but didn't care to look it up. I think there was one from Montverde, one from IMG, and one from the school I'm forgetting.

 

[visitingcock]

I put this on my watchlist and listened this morning. Sounds like he was brought onto the staff to help develop our guards and wings, and bring some of the offensive concepts used at Southern Cal (and probably to recruit the West coast kids).

The commentary on each player really got me juiced -- everyone is taking it to another level this season!

Just like Raven and Tessa, coach Farrow went wide-eyed when talking about Okot too. I'm getting pretty confident she will be a starter because this is becoming a common theme. Also, just like Raven, he mentioned her three point shot. Basically I'm getting the impression that she'll be a mobile big like Kamilla that shoot threes at a high clip.

I don’t want Okote shoot 3s at a high percentage ( except in the final seconds when needed) . I want her to dominate the paint and run the floor like Kamilla.

 

[SCspur]

I don’t want Okote shoot 3s at a high percentage ( except in the final seconds when needed) . I want her to dominate the paint and run the floor like Kamilla.

Having our posts shoot more long range shots will definitely help create more driving lanes for the guards. I highly doubt Dawn lets her jack up a million shots but I can see her shooting about 1-2 a game if she’s shooting it that well.

 

[oldude]

Having our posts shoot more long range shots will definitely help create more driving lanes for the guards. I highly doubt Dawn lets her jack up a million shots but I can see her shooting about 1-2 a game if she’s shooting it that well.

Are you sure about that? You do realize that Okot did not take a single 3-pt shot all of last season with MSSt. Okot is most effective within 5’ of the basket.

I would be astonished if Dawn lets her take 1-2 x 3-pt shots all next season, let alone 1-2 per game.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

Having our posts shoot more long range shots will definitely help create more driving lanes for the guards. I highly doubt Dawn lets her jack up a million shots but I can see her shooting about 1-2 a game if she’s shooting it that well.

I don't know what it look like percentage wise, but pulling a post player out to clear the lane for Edwards and Latson could be a good move.

Not our typical comfort zone, but workable.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

I'd like to see Okot's mid range numbers.

I think it's correct she does most of her damage point blank.

Highlights show good hands on offensive side, no sign of awkwardness in converting layups, while moving toward the bucket, honestly a more willing post game that Boston or Cardoso (though highlights always are the best version).

Defensively those long arms poke a lot of balls, she seems pretty overall aware. She's not rooted to a spot and she does affect shots.

Athletically she seems fine and I think she's going to be good for us.

If she can make face ups going to be tough to handle.