Category: South Carolina Gamecocks

The University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball team is back in March Madness, with high hopes for a successful tournament run. After an impressive 108-48 victory over Tennessee Tech in the first round, the Gamecocks, who are defending national champions, are determined to repeat as champions. Their next challenge comes on March 23, 2025, when they face the No. 9 seed Indiana Hoosiers at the Colonial Life Arena.

This second-round game carries added intensity, with Indiana aiming to avenge their 2024 Sweet 16 loss to South Carolina. The Hoosiers advanced to this round after defeating No. 8 seed Utah 76-68 in their opening game.

South Carolina’s first-round win set the stage for a promising tournament journey. Coach Dawn Staley, now in her 17th season, has transformed the program into a powerhouse in women’s basketball. Under her leadership, the Gamecocks have claimed three national championships in recent years, including a perfect season last year.

“I’m a little bit surprised, because we manufactured our schedule, put ourselves in a position to be the No. 1 overall seed,” Staley said, reflecting on her team’s No. 2 seed in the tournament. Some experts, however, believe they deserved the top spot. The Gamecocks have shown impressive dominance this season, with 16 Quad 1 wins—the most in women’s college basketball.

As the Gamecocks gear up for their showdown with Indiana, the energy in Columbia is electric. The local community has rallied behind the team, creating a vibrant atmosphere in downtown. From fan gatherings at local eateries to the sounds of the marching band filling the streets, the excitement is palpable. Mayor Daniel Rickenmann proudly expressed the significance of the program, saying, “The women’s program has helped Columbia elevate. There truly isn’t a place that I travel in the U.S. where somebody doesn’t bring up Coach Staley and the women’s basketball team.”

Under Staley’s guidance, the Gamecocks have built a program that has become a staple of Columbia’s identity. With an average attendance of over 17,000 spectators per game this season and more than 13,000 season tickets sold, Colonial Life Arena has become a fortress of support. The city’s enthusiasm for women’s sports has grown alongside South Carolina’s dominance.

Fans are deeply connected to the team, not just as spectators but as passionate supporters. Tivona Taylor, a long-time fan and season ticket holder, shared how Staley’s leadership has impacted both the players and the community: “She is just a real girl from Philly. You can relate to her. She’s more than a coach to these girls. She is a mother figure, a big sister, and she teaches them life beyond basketball. And we can relate to that. Young girls need that. It just works. It’s a human story.”

The rise of South Carolina women’s basketball mirrors the growth and success of the local community. The excitement surrounding March Madness has also boosted Columbia’s economy, with visitors flocking to the city for NCAA events. Abby Anderson, Executive Director of the Vista Guild, noted the positive economic impact, saying, “It’s a big deal for our city, in general. People from all over come for these first-round games, and they are visiting the city in addition to the Vista.”

Last season, South Carolina’s national championship win attracted over 24 million viewers, underscoring the growing popularity of women’s basketball. As fans don their garnet jerseys and cheer their team on, Columbia has solidified its reputation as a hub for women’s athletics.

With their eyes on a second consecutive national title, the Gamecocks are poised for another deep run in the tournament. Their journey not only aims to secure back-to-back championships but also to cement their place among the greatest programs in women’s basketball history. The fervor surrounding the team is a clear sign of the cultural shift toward greater recognition and support for women’s sports, as the Columbia community continues to rally behind its champions.

The energy in Columbia today reflects the power of a team that has earned respect both on the court and within the community. As fans unite, they are part of a movement that celebrates women athletes, fostering pride and solidarity that extends far beyond the basketball court.

In a major development for the South Carolina football program, four-star interior offensive lineman Zyon Guiles has officially committed to the Gamecocks’ 2026 recruiting class. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound prospect from Carvers Bay High School in South Carolina made the decision on Friday morning, choosing Shane Beamer’s squad over notable contenders such as Clemson, Georgia, Auburn, Florida State, Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee.

Guiles has been a primary target for South Carolina since the start of his recruitment, making several trips to the university dating back to the previous offseason and fall. His most recent visit took place in January. As part of his commitment, he is scheduled to return to Columbia for an official visit on June 6. However, after his commitment, his summer visit plans may shift, which also include stops at Auburn, Clemson, Florida, and Georgia. Currently, Rivals ranks him as the No. 13 interior offensive lineman in the 2026 class.

With this commitment, Zyon Guiles becomes the second interior offensive lineman to join South Carolina’s 2026 class, joining three-star prospect Anthony Baxter. Speaking about his decision, Guiles shared the key factors that led him to choose the Gamecocks. “What made them right for me I’d definitely say is the family aspect of it,” he told On3. “The development. It was great. Really just I can see myself being around the coaching staff. How they treat their families was good. It’s definitely somewhere I see myself coming in and playing.”

While Shane Beamer was influential in his commitment, Lonnie Teasley, the Gamecocks’ offensive line coach, also played a crucial role. Both Beamer and Teasley visited Carvers Bay High School during the Contact Period, marking the first time in over 20 years that coaches from any Southeastern Conference program had visited the school.

“They tell me I’m one of the top priorities in the ’26 class. That’s something I really love to hear,” Guiles told Sports Talk SC earlier this year. “I like how they all move as one. There’s not different groups, they are all one big family over there. They move in unison. They don’t exclude anybody. Me and Coach Beamer talk almost weekly. He calls me when I get home and asks me how everything is going.”

As of now, South Carolina’s 2026 class includes six committed players, ranking the program at No. 13 nationally.

Before his March 20th game against the Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors icon and NBA legend Steph Curry made a statement as he walked through the tunnel, sporting a shirt in support of South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball standout MiLaysia Fulwiley.

SportsCenter shared a photo on X of Curry wearing the shirt, accompanied by the caption: “The Chef knows who’s about to be cookin’ up some madness 🔥,” and added, “Steph Curry pulled up to the Warriors game reppin’ MiLaysia Fulwiley 😮‍💨.”

The post quickly went viral, garnering over 400,000 views in less than 24 hours.

While it wasn’t entirely unexpected to see Curry backing Fulwiley (since he signed her to his Curry Brand line through Under Armour last March, making her the first collegiate NIL athlete to join his brand), it served as a heartfelt reminder of the bond they share, especially with the Gamecocks’ pursuit of back-to-back NCAA National Championships starting the following day.

On Friday, Dawn Staley’s squad delivered a dominant 108-48 victory over Tennessee Tech, setting a new record for the most points South Carolina has ever scored in an NCAA tournament game. Fulwiley contributed 15 points and 4 impressive blocks in the win.

After the game, WACH Fox reporter Jared Parker asked Fulwiley about Curry’s show of support the day before. Her reaction spoke volumes.

“It’s a blessing, man,” Fulwiley said, according to an X post from Parker. “When I seen it, I couldn’t really say nothing. I almost cried, honestly.”

She went on, “Just seeing how I grew up, and where I come from, nobody where I come from, that would never happen to them. So I’m just proud of myself for keep going, trusting the process, and just locking in, because other great people will be on notice like Steph, and I’m just blessed, honestly. I mean, I seen it and I couldn’t believe it.”

Breaking news out of the South Carolina basketball program, as the transfer portal heats up before its official opening for underclassmen. Brock Harding, a former Iowa Hawkeyes guard, has narrowed his recruitment down to six schools, and South Carolina is among the contenders. According to On3’s Joe Tipton, Harding is considering the Gamecocks, along with TCU Horned Frogs, Oklahoma State Cowboys, Louisville Cardinals, Washington Huskies, and Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Though Harding is a rising junior, he has already entered the transfer portal due to a 30-day window granted to Iowa players following the firing of Hawkeyes head coach Fran McCaffery last weekend.

During his two seasons at Iowa City, Harding emerged as one of the Big Ten’s top facilitators. As a sophomore, he earned the starting point guard spot but did come off the bench in some games later in the season. Over the 2024-2025 campaign, Harding averaged 8.8 points, 5.3 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting 39.8% from beyond the arc. One of his standout performances included a 20-point, 10-assist game—one of two points-and-assists double-doubles on his resume.

At 6 feet tall, Harding currently ranks No. 31 overall in On3’s transfer portal player rankings and is the No. 7 point guard available.

The South Carolina program has an obvious need for a point guard. This past season, the Gamecocks struggled to find a primary facilitator, with combo guards Jamarii Thomas, Jacobi Wright, and Morris Ugusuk filling in at the position. While incoming freshman Eli Ellis shows promise as a distributor, he could greatly benefit from a veteran point guard by his side to help maximize his scoring potential.

More news….

March Madness brings the same benefits to South Carolina and Columbia, including fresh funding for women.

This Wednesday, the excitement surrounding the tournament is undeniable as fans eagerly await the big game on Thursday night. It’s set to be a major event, and the anticipation is building.

The journey to this point has been exhilarating, and now, with a paycheck in sight, there’s a sense of fulfillment.

Page shared her thoughts on the team’s progress, saying, “We’ve been enjoying the whole season.” She went on to emphasize the significance of the moment, stating, “It’s great we can make money for the school now.”

Patterson, who has played for the Virginia Cavaliers, Stanford Cardinal, and is now with the UNCG Spartans, perfectly captured the essence of the occasion, remarking, “It’s great for women’s basketball.”

The Associated Press, in collaboration with Pivotal Ventures, continues to highlight the role of women in both the workforce and state government. AP is solely responsible for all the content it produces. For further details on their partnerships with philanthropies and a full list of supporters, visit AP.org.

For live updates on the tournament, you can stay informed with AP March Madness: AP March Madness and get alerts on the AP Top 25 throughout the season.

In breaking news, Zachary Davis, a junior combo guard for South Carolina, has announced his decision to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal, according to On3’s Joe Tipton. As a rising senior, Davis still has one season of eligibility remaining.

Last season, Davis started 19 of the 32 games he played, averaging 8.2 points on 38.2% shooting. He also contributed 4.6 rebounds and 1.75 assists per game during the 2024-25 season. The 6-foot-7, 200-pound guard has been a key defensive presence for the Gamecocks over the past two seasons, starting 36 of the 65 games he’s appeared in. In total, he has started two games as a freshman and finishes his career at South Carolina with averages of 5.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.

A native of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Davis joined the Gamecocks as a three-star recruit from Denmark-Olar in the class of 2022, as ranked by the On3 Industry Ranking. Davis’ decision to enter the transfer portal makes him the second South Carolina guard to do so in just two days, following Austin Herro’s move on Thursday.

In another related transfer news, Austin Herro, the younger brother of NBA All-Star and former Kentucky guard Tyler Herro, has also entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. Austin spent two seasons with the Gamecocks, though he redshirted his true freshman year.

During his lone season on the court with South Carolina, Austin made 10 appearances but played sparingly, rarely logging more than three minutes in a game. He finished with only two points in the season, having made just two field-goal attempts.

A graduate of Whitnall High School in Wisconsin, Austin Herro was an unranked prospect according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Despite this, he led his high school team to a 25-4 record and a state championship appearance, averaging 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game in his senior year. He also shot 45% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc.

In January, South Carolina head coach Lamont Paris addressed Herro’s limited playing time, acknowledging the challenges Austin faced in his limited opportunities. “I gave him a hard time, only because the things he got hurt on while he was out there — that’s a tough spot to be in,” Paris said after the Gamecocks’ loss to Oklahoma. “He hasn’t played at all in a meaningful game, then you’re going to come out on the road at Oklahoma in the first half. That’s hard, but hopefully there will be some things he can learn from there.”

On3’s Grant Grubbs also contributed to this report.

In a developing story, Arden Conyers is leaving South Carolina after two seasons, including a redshirt year. The 6-foot-7 redshirt freshman made 23 appearances this season, averaging 4.3 points and 1.2 rebounds in 13.6 minutes per game. He shot 30.8% from the field and 28.8% from beyond the arc.

Conyers had his standout moment on January 11 in a tough 66-63 loss to Auburn, where he posted a career-high 13 points, hitting 3 of 6 attempts from three-point range. Now, he will be seeking to reach his full potential at a new destination.

A Westwood (SC) native, Conyers was a three-star prospect in high school and ranked No. 232 overall and No. 52 among shooting guards in the 2023 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking. As a senior, he averaged 21.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, earning all-region and all-state honors. Conyers was also a McDonald’s All-American nominee.

But he’s not the only Gamecock in the transfer portal this offseason. Austin Herro, a redshirt freshman guard, also entered the NCAA Transfer Portal on Thursday. Herro, the younger brother of NBA All-Star Tyler Herro, had limited opportunities in his lone season with South Carolina. In his 10 appearances, he never played more than three minutes in a game and only scored two points on two field-goal attempts.

A high school standout at Whitnall (WI), Austin Herro led his team to a 25-4 record and a state championship appearance in his senior year. He averaged 14.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 45% from the field and 36% from deep. Despite his high school success, Herro struggled to see significant playing time at South Carolina, and head coach Lamont Paris addressed this in January, acknowledging that it was a tough spot for Herro to step into.

“I gave him a hard time, only because the things he got hurt on while he was out there — that’s a tough spot to be in,” Paris said after the Gamecocks’ loss to Oklahoma. “He hasn’t played at all in a meaningful game, then you’re going to come out on the road at Oklahoma in the first half. That’s hard, but hopefully there will be some things he can learn from there.”

Both Conyers and Herro will be looking to make fresh starts as they enter the transfer portal, each with their own potential waiting to be unlocked elsewhere.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Ahead of South Carolina’s first-round game in March Madness, rapper Plies presented the Gamecocks’ head coach, Dawn Staley, with a stunning, gem-encrusted chain. The pendant, which is shaped like the NCAA Tournament championship trophy, honors the three years South Carolina has won national titles: 2017, 2022, and 2024. A sparkling basketball tops the design, and on the back, it’s engraved with a special message: “Dawn Staley / ‘God is within her she will not fail! Psalm 46:5.”

Staley wore the piece proudly on the sidelines during South Carolina’s dominant 108-48 victory over Tennessee Tech on Friday. She shared a photo of the chain on her social media, writing: “I know you didn’t gift me this piece of treasure for anything but love. I so appreciate you for doing your big one but you always have done it big. Thank you for your love, your support & your organic belief in @GamecockWBB. I’ll wear it proudly knowing our mission.”

In response on X, Plies expressed his admiration for Staley, calling her his hero and saying she inspires him. “If I had to describe a hero, it would be her,” he tweeted.

Following South Carolina’s blowout win, Staley reflected on the gift, saying, “It’s really nice. It’s all about the details. It’s the national championship trophy. I like that. Hopefully it brings us good luck.”

Plies, hailing from Fort Myers, Florida, is not only a rap star but also a former wide receiver at Miami University in Ohio. He’s a known supporter of the South Carolina women’s basketball team, frequently attending their games, including the 2024 NCAA Final Four in Cleveland. Last May, he even invited Staley on stage at his concert in Columbia. In February, as a celebrity guest picker on College GameDay’s debut women’s basketball show, he confidently predicted that South Carolina would defeat UConn in Columbia.

More news….

March Madness brings the same benefits to South Carolina and Columbia, including fresh funding for women.

This Wednesday, the excitement surrounding the tournament is undeniable as fans eagerly await the big game on Thursday night. It’s set to be a major event, and the anticipation is building.

The journey to this point has been exhilarating, and now, with a paycheck in sight, there’s a sense of fulfillment.

Page shared her thoughts on the team’s progress, saying, “We’ve been enjoying the whole season.” She went on to emphasize the significance of the moment, stating, “It’s great we can make money for the school now.”

Patterson, who has played for the Virginia Cavaliers, Stanford Cardinal, and is now with the UNCG Spartans, perfectly captured the essence of the occasion, remarking, “It’s great for women’s basketball.”

The Associated Press, in collaboration with Pivotal Ventures, continues to highlight the role of women in both the workforce and state government. AP is solely responsible for all the content it produces. For further details on their partnerships with philanthropies and a full list of supporters, visit AP.org.

For live updates on the tournament, you can stay informed with AP March Madness: AP March Madness and get alerts on the AP Top 25 throughout the season.

In the middle of the third quarter of No. 1 seed South Carolina’s dominant 108-48 victory over No. 16 seed Tennessee Tech in the NCAA Tournament on Friday, head coach Dawn Staley made a bold move — she swapped out all five of her starters. Raven Johnson, Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, Chloe Kitts, and Sania Feagin were replaced by the second unit: Maddy McDaniel, Tessa Johnson, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Joyce Edwards, and Maryam Dauda.

Staley explained the change was a combination of factors: the team’s slow start to the second half, where they managed just three points in the first 3.5 minutes, and her desire to give the bench a chance to play together in a live game. “We were up big and lended an opportunity for us to get our second unit in,” Staley said. “They play a lot together in practice. So I wanted to see what they would do in that situation and see if they could energize us.”

And energize they did. The bench unit sparked a 22-8 run to close out the third quarter, giving South Carolina an 85-37 lead as they entered the final frame.

While Staley’s current starters are likely to see more time as the tournament progresses, Friday’s lineup change provided a glimpse into the future of South Carolina’s women’s basketball program.

“It’s amazing, I get the chills thinking about that,” Feagin said, reflecting on the performance of the bench.

“They went out there and stayed disciplined. They went out there, they played hard, they attacked, they made the easy plays, they passed the ball a lot,” Feagin continued.

According to CBB Analytics, this was just the fifth time this season that the combination of McDaniel, Tessa Johnson, Fulwiley, Edwards, and Dauda had been on the court together. Despite practicing frequently, this lineup had played just 11 minutes together in actual games.

“That’s who I practice with in practice every day,” Edwards said. “So it was nothing different, but it just felt good out there with them. We have a lot of chemistry because we practice together all the time. So we just came out and executed.”

The bench played a significant role in South Carolina’s success, contributing 66 points, the most in an NCAA Tournament game since 2000. Edwards led the way with 22 points, while Tessa Johnson played a team-high 24 minutes. Edwards followed closely with 22 minutes, typical for them both, who average 21 minutes per game. For McDaniel, however, playing 18 minutes — near her career-high — was an invaluable experience.

“It was definitely a good feeling to get out there and get my feet wet and be able to showcase my talents,” McDaniel said.

Fulwiley is confident that the bench unit has the potential to be special, particularly with freshmen like Edwards and McDaniel showing their talent this season. “I’m just scared for our opponents next year,” Fulwiley said. “We take pride in our role. We don’t like to downplay it at all. We just lift each other up, because we know next year that’ll be us in those (starters’) shoes.”

While Friday’s game was far from a passing-of-the-torch moment, it was a preview of what could be a new chapter for South Carolina women’s basketball as they look ahead. With the bench’s impressive performance, combined with returning veterans like Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins, the future looks bright.

“It just shows how deep we are and it’s nice to see a little glimpse of next year because, lowkey, next year is soon,” Kitts said, a sentiment that surely resonates with Gamecock fans eager to see what’s next for this powerhouse program.

In a recent update, Houston Astros fans are facing a bit of a pitching dilemma after Luis Garcia suffered a setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Reports indicate that Garcia has been shut down due to experiencing elbow soreness, which leaves the Astros slightly short on starting pitching depth. As a result, the Astros may be looking for external help to fill the gap.

One potential trade partner to keep an eye on is the Philadelphia Phillies. After the Phillies made a move in the offseason to acquire left-hander Jesus Luzardo from the Miami Marlins, their rotation seems to be locked in. The projected starting five, as of Thursday, includes Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez, Luzardo, and Christopher Sanchez. However, there’s one player who may find himself on the outside looking in: right-hander Taijuan Walker.

Walker, who had a rough 2024 season with a career-high ERA of 7.10 across 19 games, has struggled to find consistency. In fact, he’s posted a sub-3.50 ERA just once in the past four seasons. With the Phillies’ rotation seemingly set, Walker could be a candidate for a change of scenery. A trade to a team like Houston could be a fresh start for the 31-year-old right-hander.

If the Astros were to pursue Walker, a potential deal could look like this:

Astros receive: RHP Taijuan Walker
Phillies receive: RHP James Hicks (HOU No. 20 prospect) and C/1B Jancel Villarroel (HOU No. 29 prospect)

This proposed trade would provide the Astros with additional starting pitching depth in place of Garcia while giving the Phillies two promising prospects for their future. Hicks, just 23 years old, and Villarroel, at only 20, are unlikely to make an immediate impact at the Major League level but offer long-term potential for Philadelphia’s system.

As the trade deadline approaches, it will be interesting to see if the Astros make a move to bolster their rotation and whether a change of scenery could help Walker get back on track. Stay tuned for more updates.

The NCAA Women’s College Basketball Tournament is officially set to begin, with the South Carolina Gamecocks looking to defend their title. On the eve of the tournament, one of the Gamecocks’ key players, MiLaysia Fulwiley, is receiving a major endorsement from an NBA icon.

South Carolina is widely regarded as one of the top contenders for the 2025 championship, and it’s clear why when you take a look at their roster. The Gamecocks are powered by Fulwiley, who has been a game-changer coming off the bench. Her talent hasn’t gone unnoticed, as NBA legend Steph Curry recently showed his support for the rising star.

Ahead of the Golden State Warriors’ game against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, Curry was photographed arriving at the stadium wearing a MiLaysia Fulwiley t-shirt. SportsCenter shared the image on X, captioning it: “The chef knows who’s about to be cooking up some madness 🔥 Steph Curry pulled up to the Warriors game reppin’ MiLaysia Fulwiley 😮‍💨.”

In case you missed it, Fulwiley recently signed with Curry Brand, the signature line by Curry’s Under Armour partnership. Fulwiley made history as the first collegiate athlete to sign an NIL deal with the Curry Brand, and Curry spoke highly of her commitment and potential.

“She believes in what we’re doing… and obviously in South Carolina doing amazing things, winning a championship in her freshman year. And trying to continue to get better, and keep pushing the envelope on what she can accomplish in her career,” Curry remarked.

He added, “As you build out your roster, you want to have just good people that truly understand, one, they want to be great on the court, two, they stand for something, represent something off the court, and always looking for ways to impact the community. And she checks all those boxes.”

As the Gamecocks prepare for their opening-round matchup against Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles today at 4:00 pm ET, Fulwiley’s presence and support from Curry highlight the star power on this team.

For more updates, follow the USCTalk community on Twitter and YouTube for comprehensive coverage of South Carolina’s NCAA Tournament journey!