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The Gamecocks have found themselves in a familiar position heading into the 2025 season – looking for a new star running back to fill the void left by Rocket Sanders. Sanders, who delivered an impressive season with nearly 900 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024, is now off to pursue his NFL dreams. His departure leaves South Carolina with a critical question: Who will step up to be the next big name in the backfield?

Fortunately, there are some promising options available. Oscar Adaway III returns for his seventh year of college football, having served as Sanders’ backup last season. Adaway had a standout performance in the Citrus Bowl, rushing for 106 all-purpose yards and a touchdown as the lead back. Now, Adaway will compete for the starting role this season.

“I’d definitely say they’re going to have a great year,” Sanders said, speaking highly of his teammate’s potential. “And I mean, definitely with Oscar in there, ’cause you know, he’s an older guy. I feel like he’s got knowledge ’cause he taught me some things as well that I taught him as well. I feel the guys are going to be great.”

In addition to Adaway, South Carolina also brings back Jawarn Howell and Matthew Fuller, both of whom redshirted last season. Head coach Shane Beamer has expressed confidence in their abilities, noting that both players performed well during winter workouts. Beamer acknowledged that these two will be relied upon much more this season.

“Those two guys were really, really impressive, talking about Jawarn and Matthew. So now it’s time for them to take the next step and compete,” Beamer said. “You need more than one, you need more than two, you need more than three, just because of the wear and tear that position has.”

Recognizing the importance of bolstering the running back room after losing Sanders, Beamer and his staff took a strategic step into the transfer portal and added Rahsul Faison from Utah State. Faison had a stellar career with the Aggies, rushing for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns over two seasons. While his 2023 campaign was solid, it was his breakout year in 2024, when he rushed for over 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns, that caught attention.

However, there is a caveat. Faison has not yet been cleared for eligibility for the upcoming season. While he is allowed to participate in spring practices, he is still waiting for a final ruling from the NCAA after submitting a petition for an additional year of eligibility under the “Pavia” rule.

If Faison gets the green light to play this season, the Gamecocks could be in for a major boost.

“Dawg. Period. D-A-W-G,” Adaway said, enthusiastically describing Faison’s style of play.

Adaway also shared his approach to leadership: “A lot of people try to lead by example. Like a lot of people should lead by example. But I chose this year to lead by experience because I have done it all. I have been injured. I have been on winning teams. I have been on sorry teams. I have been on mid, average teams. Experience is going to go far with me and Rahsul.”

Stay tuned, as the Gamecocks look to fill the void left by Rocket Sanders with a promising group of players that could lead the way in 2025.

While the No. 1 ranked South Carolina women’s basketball team remains focused on the present, Friday’s dominant 60-point victory provided a clear look at the future.

The Gamecocks (31-3) cruised to a 108-48 win over No. 16 seed Tennessee Tech in their NCAA Tournament opener. The win was so decisive that head coach Dawn Staley had the opportunity to rotate in different lineups, giving more playing time to players who’ve typically been on the bench.

South Carolina’s bench set a new NCAA record with 66 points, the highest total since 2000. Every player who stepped onto the court contributed to the score, with all seven reserves scoring more than the entire Tennessee Tech team, which posted 48 points.

“It’s cool to see young people tap into the game even if they’re not promised any playing time,” Staley said.

Looking ahead, South Carolina will take on No. 9 Indiana (20-12) in the second round on Sunday.

Bench Players Shine

The Gamecocks’ bench has been a standout all season, leading the country in scoring at 41.5 points per game. What’s notable is that the top two bench scorers, Joyce Edwards and MiLaysia Fulwiley, don’t start. Edwards, a freshman, led the charge with 22 points in Friday’s win and is averaging 13.2 points per game. Fulwiley, a sophomore, is just behind with 12 points per game, contributing 15 points in the blowout.

As South Carolina loses key starters like Sania Feagin, Bree Hall, and Te-Hina Paopao at the season’s end, Edwards, Fulwiley, and Tessa Johnson are expected to step into starting roles.

For freshman point guard Maddy McDaniel, her future role as a starter or sixth man depends on Raven Johnson, a redshirt junior, who has yet to announce if she will return for another year. In the 18 minutes Staley gave McDaniel in the lineup Friday, the freshman showed maturity and poise, thriving in the tempo Tennessee Tech set. While Johnson isn’t a primary scorer, her ability to run the offense is crucial. McDaniel doesn’t need to rack up points—she simply needs to manage the game and maintain control.

“In our roles, it’s hard because we are point guards,” Johnson said. “We’re supposed to be like another Staley on the court. She has to trust us. McDaniel is really good for a freshman. I remember my freshman year, we didn’t play like that, so her getting these minutes now is phenomenal. The stuff that she does, I’m like, ‘Wow, how do you see this as a freshman?’”

A Glimpse into the Future

McDaniel delivered a perfect lob to 6-foot-7 Adhel Tac in the post, leading to a beautiful score. After the play, Tac pointed at McDaniel in appreciation.

“Maddy has always been there, it’s just playing time,” Staley said. “When Raven is playing well and Te-Hina is playing well, it’s hard because the other guards have to get the minutes they’ve earned all season long. Maddy stays ready. Anytime her number is called, she’s ready.”

Despite averaging just 3.9 minutes per game, Tac contributed 6 points in 5 minutes on Friday. McDaniel had 2 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds, while Maryam Dauda added 4 points, and Tessa Johnson scored 11.

Friday’s explosive bench performance gave a sneak peek at what’s to come for South Carolina. With such confident and mature play, Staley might have more depth than she initially thought as the Gamecocks pursue a back-to-back national title.

Columbia, S.C. — Once upon a time, Te-Hina Paopao and Sydney Parrish stayed up late in their dorm room, dreaming of hoisting an NCAA women’s basketball national championship trophy together. Now, only one of them will get the chance to chase that dream.

The two former teammates at Oregon have crossed paths once again, but this time as opponents in the NCAA Tournament. On Sunday, Paopao, now with South Carolina, and Parrish, playing for Indiana, will square off for the second consecutive year in March Madness, as the No. 1 Gamecocks and No. 9 Hoosiers battle to keep their seasons alive.

The reunion, though brief, carries significant meaning for both players.

“It’s special to have somebody on the other side of the court,” Parrish said. “At the end of the day, she is one of my best friends.”

When the Selection Sunday brackets were announced, it was Paopao who reached out to Parrish first. The bond the two share remains strong, even with the separation of their basketball careers.

During Indiana’s first-round win against Utah, Parrish earned an and-one foul call, and Paopao—watching from near the baseline—couldn’t help but react. “When you get an and-one, you are very competitive, so you just yell,” Paopao explained, “and then she spotted me and we started laughing and giggling.”

How Te-Hina Paopao and Sydney Parrish Became Best Friends

The friendship between Paopao and Parrish started at Oregon, but both left the program after promising yet ultimately unfulfilled tenures. Parrish, the Indiana native and eighth-ranked recruit in the 2020 class, transferred back home to play for Indiana after two years. Paopao, ranked No. 11 in that same class, followed her a year later, joining South Carolina under head coach Dawn Staley.

Despite their transfers, the two remained close, staying connected through group chats and private moments from their time as teammates. Each summer, they’d take time to relax together in Eugene, Oregon, often enjoying a cup of coffee or lemonade by the lake.

“We’d always get a cup of coffee or a lemonade, like every day, and just relax,” Paopao recalled with a grin.

At South Carolina, Paopao has excelled, ranking third on the team in 3-point percentage (37.2%) and averaging 9.7 points and 3 assists per game. In South Carolina’s dominant 108-48 first-round win over Tennessee Tech, she posted 9 points, 2 assists, a steal, and a block in just 18 minutes of play.

Meanwhile, Parrish is enjoying a stellar senior season at Indiana, averaging 11.8 points and 5.5 rebounds. In Indiana’s 76-68 first-round win against Utah, she contributed 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Last year, when the two teams faced off in the NCAA Sweet 16, Indiana nearly completed a remarkable comeback from a 22-point deficit, falling just short in a 79-75 loss.

“It gave us a little bit of hope, knowing that we played them so closely last year,” Parrish said of the close matchup.

Their friendship has weathered transfers, tournament runs, and the challenges of competing at the highest level. But on Sunday, that friendship will be set aside, even if just for 40 minutes.

A Competitive Bond that Runs Deep

The stakes couldn’t be higher for either player, as one will inevitably see their season—and college basketball career—end.

“That’s sad to think about,” Parrish admitted. “Just thinking back to the moment we stepped foot on campus as freshmen, we were 18-year-olds who had no idea what anything about college basketball was.”

But once the game ends, the love between these two friends will persist. After the final whistle, there will likely be a hug, maybe even a laugh about their goofy practice moments in pajama pants and beanies.

However, one will walk off the court one step closer to a national championship, the dream they once shared together. The other will remain on the sideline, cheering on her best friend.

“I just want to see her be great, be successful,” Paopao said of Parrish. “I love her with all of my heart, and it’s always love no matter what happens on Sunday.”

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina women’s basketball has transformed into one of the most dominant programs in the sport, thanks to Dawn Staley, whose leadership has propelled the Gamecocks to three NCAA championships. Her influence has not only redefined the program but also left an indelible mark on women’s college basketball. We spoke to several players and coaches to better understand how Staley’s impact has reshaped the game.

Under Staley’s guidance, South Carolina has become synonymous with excellence, and the Gamecocks are now aiming for a fourth NCAA title. If they win this year, they will become the first back-to-back women’s NCAA champions since UConn in 2016. This continued success places South Carolina in the same conversation as powerhouse programs like UConn, Tennessee—under the legendary Pat Summitt—and Stanford.

“What Dawn has done over the last six to 10 years is absolutely incredible,” said Kim Rosamond, head coach of No. 16 Tennessee Tech, who witnessed the Gamecocks’ dominance firsthand in the first round. “Dawn has now become the torchbearer, so to speak, for the college game. She’s doing it as well as anyone in the game today.”

As other iconic coaches like Tara VanDerveer retire, Staley, along with Geno Auriemma of UConn and Kim Mulkey of LSU, represents the gold standard in women’s college basketball.

Staley’s success at South Carolina is nothing short of remarkable: three national championships, six Final Fours, and more than 450 wins since taking over in 2008. Her impact was further solidified when the university extended her contract in January through 2029-30, making her the highest-paid coach in women’s basketball with a $4 million annual base salary.

“South Carolina has been able to see it was worth it to invest in Dawn Staley – and how she changed this program and the impact she’s had on these young women,” said Lisa Leslie, a three-time WNBA MVP and four-time Olympic teammate of Staley’s, who was in Columbia to support her close friend during the Gamecocks’ first-round game against Tennessee Tech.

While Staley doesn’t focus on titles or comparisons to other programs, she’s confident in her team’s legacy. “I think we created a legacy already, whether we win this one or not,” Staley said. “What we’ve done over the past eight years won’t be done again. If we win another one, it just adds to our legacy in the game.”

Chloe Kitts, a junior forward for the Gamecocks, believes Staley has already secured her place in the conversation of the greatest coaches. “She has accomplished every goal, so why would she not be in that category?” Kitts said, referring to legends like Summitt and VanDerveer.

Indiana head coach Teri Moren also recognizes the influence Staley has had, placing South Carolina among the elite programs. “You can’t talk about those other teams without mentioning South Carolina,” Moren said. “They’ve raised the bar for everybody. It’s no longer UConn, it’s no longer Tennessee. You can now talk about South Carolina.”

The Gamecocks’ home court at Colonial Life Arena is a fortress for South Carolina, where Staley boasts an impressive record of 230-35. Indiana guard Sydney Parrish, in lighthearted fashion, joked about the challenge of playing South Carolina in front of such a passionate crowd, saying, “I think we have a 4% chance of winning.”

It’s clear that the Gamecocks are fueled by the unwavering support of their fans, who continuously show their love through personalized gifts and encouragement. “We have this one little girl who got her hair braided, and each of her beads has our names on them,” said Sakima Walker, a senior center for South Carolina. “The fans really love us.”

Players across the country, including Jenna Johnson of Utah, have also expressed admiration for the electric atmosphere in Columbia, and the Gamecocks’ fanbase continues to set a standard that other programs aspire to create. “We’ve been trying to create it in Utah,” Johnson said, reflecting on the vibrant energy in the arena.

The legacy Dawn Staley has built with South Carolina is undeniable, and as March Madness continues, all eyes will be on how the Gamecocks chase yet another championship under her legendary leadership.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Lisa Leslie, a former three-time MVP for the Los Angeles Sparks and four-time Olympic gold medalist, was in the stands Friday, witnessing one of her “best friends in the world” coach a women’s NCAA Tournament game.

It was a momentous occasion for Leslie, as it marked the first time she saw Dawn Staley, her teammate across four Olympic Games, coaching in March Madness. The South Carolina Gamecocks, under Staley’s leadership, are making their 13th appearance in the NCAA Tournament. On Friday, the defending national champions dominated No. 16 Tennessee Tech, securing a resounding 108-48 victory in the first round.

“Why today? It just worked out. My kids are on spring break,” Leslie explained about her presence at the game.

Earlier this season, Leslie had attended a South Carolina game against Michigan in Las Vegas, but being in Columbia for the intensity of March Madness brought a whole new level of excitement.

Reflecting on Staley’s impact, Leslie told USA TODAY Sports, “What she’s done for this program, obviously, this community, and built this up, and what the impact she’s had on women’s basketball worldwide, and through the Olympics… being one of my teammates and then becoming a coach, she’s outstanding.”

Leslie and Staley formed a powerful bond on the U.S. Olympic team from 1996 to 2008, going a perfect 60-0 together. Their time together taught them a lot about each other and fostered a deep, lifelong friendship.

“You get to know a person, the kind of person that they are, how they show up. You know a person during tough times because it was tough, and you helped each other through that. So it really is like a family of sisterhood in a way,” Leslie said.

Leslie emphasized the generational aspect of this sisterhood and Staley’s enduring respect for the women who paved the way.

“There’s been so many women that have come before, and I love that Dawn never forgets that,” Leslie added.

As Leslie left the arena after the game, she left Staley with a heartfelt message: “Keep doing what you’re doing. She’s great. She’s amazing. Bettering women.”

Dylan Clearfield, a student in the University of Georgia’s Sports Media Certificate program, contributed to the reporting.

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.

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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.