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.

 

[southie]

• Fagan is down to SC, Texas and USC.. visited the Trojans earlier this week.

And, visited Texas mid-week. Should be in South Carolina today, I'd imagine.

 

[GamecockFam]

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.

Dawn has been encouraging her bigs to take more three pointers, Kamilla included. For whatever reason no one but Kitts and Dauda have really taken advantage of it.

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.

Okot led the SEC in FG% (4th in NCAA), OREB%, DREB%, and TREB% (3rd in NCAA) last season. She has good touch around the basket and also has a quality 10 footer too. She also basically averaged a double-double in 22 minutes of play per game. All of this is to say that there is clearly talent showing through those stats. I really think she is going to turn heads in Coach Staley's system. She is basically a more offensively gifted version of Kamilla. I think last year she didn't get to show all of her bag because she was so new to the United States and NCAA basketball.

 

[SCspur]

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.

I’ll go by what the coaches and all the players have said. Just because she played a certain way at Miss St doesn’t mean she’ll be the same at SC. I see a lot of fans of other teams feel like they’ll see the same version of Okot that they saw at Miss St . Y’all are going to be surprised.

 

[Bone Dog]

I’ll go by what the coaches and all the players have said. Just because she played a certain way at Miss St doesn’t mean she’ll be the same at SC. I see a lot of fans of other teams feel like they’ll see the same version of Okot that they saw at Miss St . Y’all are going to be surprised.

I hope I am, and am looking forward to it, since without Watkins, Dawn really needs someone to step up in the frontcourt. Neither Dauda and Tac were able to do it last season when they were really needed. A lot rides on Okot’s being able to live up to the hype. My worry is that transforming her style of play to suit a new system isn’t easy and may require more than one season. I gather this same concern is part of what motivates all the talk about getting her more than one season of eligibility.

 

[SCspur]

I hope I am, and am looking forward to it, since without Watkins, Dawn really needs someone to step up in the frontcourt. Neither Dauda and Tac were able to do it last season when they were really needed. A lot rides on Okot’s being able to live up to the hype. My worry is that transforming her style of play to suit a new system isn’t easy and may require more than one season. I gather this same concern is part of what motivates all the talk about getting her more than one season of eligibility.

So do you as a UConn fan feel this way about Williams? I’m sure what Geno and UConn require of their players is totally different than what was expected and done at Wisconsin. Way more complicated offensive schemes. So do you think she’ll be better served with another year or she’ll get it right away? Madina’s situation imo is much different than Dauda and I expect her transition into SC’s system to be much easier simply because Miss St bigs do similar things to SC’s bigs. She’s very good in the screen and roll game and I suspect Dawn will go to that often with her and Latson or her and Raven.

As to Dauda and Tac. I think people wrote them off too quick. Dauda came from a team where defense and rebound are dang near non existent and all she had to do was float on the perimeter and shoot 3s. Of course it was going to be a major transition for her. However all the coaches confirmed her staying on campus this past summer and having a year in the system has her looking like an entirely different and determined player. She’s expected to make a big impact this year. Same with Tac who was recovering from two major injuries. By all accounts both have improved tremendously and will look completely different and comfortable in the system. Of course it still remains to be seen.

 

[oldude]

Dawn has been encouraging her bigs to take more three pointers, Kamilla included. For whatever reason no one but Kitts and Dauda have really taken advantage of it.

Okot led the SEC in FG% (4th in NCAA), OREB%, DREB%, and TREB% (3rd in NCAA) last season. She has good touch around the basket and also has a quality 10 footer too. She also basically averaged a double-double in 22 minutes of play per game. All of this is to say that there is clearly talent showing through those stats. I really think she is going to turn heads in Coach Staley's system. She is basically a more offensively gifted version of Kamilla. I think last year she didn't get to show all of her bag because she was so new to the United States and NCAA basketball.

Kitts is certainly a player who has potential to be a solid 3-pt shooter. But it’s hard for me to consider her a true Big. As for Dauda, she hoisted up 91 x 3-pt shots in her last year at Arkansas, so she’s never had a problem pulling the trigger.

The only game I watched Okot play was the NCAA tournament game against USC. She is clearly a bull in the paint. But she did not demonstrate to me the ability to step out on the court offensively or defensively. In fact, after Juju went down, both Iriafen & Marshall had big games against MSSt’s frontcourt.

Rather than encouraging Okot to shoot 3’s, I would expect that Dawn is working feverishly with her on high screen and rolls with Latson and the other SC guards who can attack the basket. If Okot becomes proficient at the pick and pop off that action, whether it’s a 15’ jumper or a 3-pt shot, all the better. But her ability to roll to the basket like a freight train would be pretty damned impressive.

 

[oldude]

I’ll go by what the coaches and all the players have said. Just because she played a certain way at Miss St doesn’t mean she’ll be the same at SC. I see a lot of fans of other teams feel like they’ll see the same version of Okot that they saw at Miss St . Y’all are going to be surprised.

Certainly, I would expect Okot to be a much better version of herself at SC under Dawn with another year of development. Having watched her play just one time in the NCAA tournament against SC, I was very impressed with her aggressiveness in the paint. But nothing about her game demonstrated the ability to shoot 3’s.

If that changes this coming season, it will be something of a metamorphosis. As I indicate to GamecockFam, I would be working feverishly with Okot to master the high screen and roll with Latson and my other guards, something that could be an extremely effective offensive weapon.