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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.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — It was a stellar debut for freshman Joyce Edwards as she scored 22 points in her first-ever NCAA Tournament game, leading South Carolina to a commanding 108-48 win over Tennessee Tech on Friday. The victory marked the beginning of the Gamecocks’ quest for a second consecutive national title, as they now stand at 31-3 for the season.

With this win, South Carolina has extended its remarkable NCAA Tournament record to 17-1 over the past four years, having claimed titles in 2022 and 2024. The only hiccup during this run was a semifinal loss to Caitlin Clark and Iowa in 2023.

Edwards, who was recently named to the All-Southeastern Conference First Team, proved why she’s a key player for the top-seeded Gamecocks in the Birmingham 2 Regional. The 6-foot-3 forward admitted to being nervous before the game, but quickly settled into her rhythm. “Everything comes at you, you don’t know what to expect,” Edwards said. “Once you get your first rebound, the nerves settle down.”

Her 22-point performance eclipsed the 20 points Aliyah Boston, a national champion and WNBA No. 1 overall pick, scored in her NCAA debut against Mercer in 2021.

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley praised Edwards’ tenacity on the court, noting how her energy has made her a favorite among her veteran teammates. “The basket gets big,” Staley said, referring to Edwards’ offensive surge once she sees the ball go through the hoop.

Looking ahead, the Gamecocks will face ninth-seeded Indiana on Sunday for a spot in the Sweet 16. Indiana triumphed over eighth-seeded Utah 76-68 earlier in the day.

Edwards helped spark the Gamecocks early, scoring six straight points to push the lead to 31-11. Meanwhile, Tennessee Tech, champions of the Ohio Valley Conference, saw their 17-game win streak come to an end. Taris Thornton led the Golden Eagles with 13 points.

MiLaysia Fulwiley also contributed with 15 points, while the Gamecocks showcased their depth, with all 12 players on the roster getting into the scoring column.

Tennessee Tech head coach Kim Rosamond was quick to recognize the overall strength of the Gamecocks, especially their offensive efficiency. “If they shoot the basketball like that the rest of the way, they’re going to be almost impossible to beat,” Rosamond said after the game.

GAMECOCK NOTABLES:

• South Carolina’s 108 points set a new program record for the most points scored in an NCAA Tournament game, surpassing the 100 they scored against Quinnipiac in the 2017 Sweet 16.
• The 60-point victory margin, 43 field goals made, 12 three-pointers, and a 67.2% field goal percentage all set new program records in NCAA Tournament history.
• The Gamecocks bench was dominant, scoring 66 points—outscoring the entire Tennessee Tech team (48)—marking the highest bench points ever in an NCAA Tournament game.
• Edwards’ 22 points made her the sixth South Carolina freshman to score 20 or more points in an NCAA Tournament game, with her total being the highest since Alaina Coates also scored 22 against North Carolina in the 2014 Sweet 16.
• MiLaysia Fulwiley was a standout contributor, finishing with 15 points, five assists, four blocks, and three steals.
• Tessa Johnson had a strong shooting performance, making 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, totaling 11 points, and matching her career-high with six assists.

As expected, her minutes were limited, typical for a freshman. She was the final player to step onto the court, entering late in the third quarter with the game already well in hand.

However, she made an immediate impact, scoring on her very first touch. By the time the final buzzer sounded, she had accumulated six points. Every basket, rebound, and play she made was met with cheers from her teammates, all eager to see her finally get on the scoreboard. The same could be said for McDaniel, who scored just two points but also recorded three assists while logging 18 minutes on the floor.

“It felt pretty great, honestly,” Tac said. “I didn’t want to come into the game with any expectations. I just wanted to play my game, so I went into the [third] quarter not expecting myself to do anything.”

While Sunday’s matchup against Indiana will soon overshadow this one, South Carolina’s performance against Tennessee Tech won’t be remembered in the grand scheme of their NCAA Tournament journey—and honestly, that’s how the Gamecocks would prefer it.

But for four players, this game will always be special. The nerves are gone, the excitement of playing in March Madness has faded into memory, and now it’s just about basketball.

What a relief.

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The South Carolina women’s basketball team has advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament after dominating No. 16 seed Tennessee Tech with a 108-48 victory on Friday. The No. 1 seed Gamecocks (31-3) will now face No. 9 Indiana (20-12) in a highly anticipated matchup this Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, live on ABC at Colonial Life Arena. Indiana secured their spot in the second round with a 76-68 win over No. 8 seed Utah.

This will be the second consecutive year these two teams have faced off in the NCAA Tournament. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know ahead of Sunday’s Sweet 16 showdown:

South Carolina vs. Indiana: A March Madness Rematch

Last season, in the Sweet 16, South Carolina held a commanding 17-point lead at halftime and extended it to 22 points midway through the third quarter. However, Indiana rallied late, cutting the deficit to just two points in the final minute. With the game on the line, Raven Johnson nailed a crucial 3-pointer and followed it up with a free throw, securing the Gamecocks’ 79-75 victory after nearly losing a double-digit lead.

What Dawn Staley Said About the Indiana Rematch

Following Friday’s dominant performance, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley spoke about the significance of the upcoming rematch with Indiana. When asked about the close call last year, Staley remarked, “We got a taste of that in the last NCAA Tournament, and we have that in mind. At the top of our minds.”

South Carolina’s offense was firing on all cylinders in the first round, with a season-high 12 3-pointers. Still, Staley is focused on improving the team’s defense ahead of Sunday’s game, stressing that “Good basketball is contagious, bad basketball is contagious.” She added, “I hope we bring our ability to shoot the ball as well as we shot the ball. We shot the ball pretty good, and hopefully we can take that into the next game.”

A Reunion of Te-Hina Paopao and Sydney Parrish

Sunday’s matchup also brings an intriguing subplot: a reunion between South Carolina guard Te-Hina Paopao and Indiana’s Sydney Parrish. The two were teammates at Oregon before transferring to their respective schools. Parrish, a 6-foot-2 senior, has been pivotal for Indiana this season, averaging 11.9 points (second on the team) and a team-high 5.4 rebounds per game.

Despite scoring only eight points in Indiana’s win over Utah, Parrish had a stellar performance in last year’s meeting with South Carolina, putting up 21 points in the Hoosiers’ loss.

Stats Breakdown from the NCAA Tournament Openers

Indiana shot 58% from the field in their first-round win over Tennessee Tech, with Yarden Garzon leading the team with 17 points. However, the Hoosiers struggled from beyond the arc, making just 5 of 17 3-point attempts, and committed 12 turnovers.

South Carolina, on the other hand, posted an impressive 67% shooting from the field in their victory. Zia Cooke led the Gamecocks with 22 points, and the team also excelled from the perimeter, hitting 12 of 18 3-pointers. However, South Carolina did have 16 turnovers to clean up for the next round.

Prediction for South Carolina vs. Indiana: March Madness Second Round

Looking ahead to Sunday’s game, the prediction is a 75-62 victory for South Carolina. The Gamecocks know better than to underestimate Indiana, and they are poised to bring a stifling defense that will put pressure on the Hoosiers’ offense. Expect South Carolina to push the tempo and make it difficult for Indiana to keep up, especially in transition.

Get Your Tickets for March Madness

Tickets for the second-round NCAA Tournament games at Colonial Life Arena are available for purchase on StubHub.

Stay tuned for more live updates on this exciting matchup!

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The crowd roared with jeers as Tennessee Tech’s band screamed “Terrible!” into the air Friday, but South Carolina’s MiLaysia Fulwiley swiftly quieted the hecklers with a smooth 3-pointer off a sharp pass from teammate Joyce Edwards. This came just after No. 1 seed South Carolina stormed to a 33-point lead in the first quarter of their dominant first-round victory over No. 16 Tennessee Tech in the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament.

Fulwiley and Edwards, the only two Gamecocks hailing from South Carolina, made sure to represent for their home-state fans in a big way.

Joyce Edwards, the freshman sensation, topped all scorers on Friday with an impressive 22 points, going 9-for-12 from the field. Fulwiley, the talented sophomore, contributed 15 points, five assists, four blocks, and three steals, although neither player started the game.

“We definitely have a connection,” Edwards shared. “We’ve been playing together since high school, and even against each other. We know each other’s game, where we’ll be, and we’re always looking for each other.”

South Carolina’s bench played a crucial role in the win, setting an NCAA Tournament record—men’s and women’s—by scoring a total of 66 points.

“It’s always special when the top kids from South Carolina choose to stay home,” said Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks’ head coach. “They bring such a great following with them.”

Staley has gone on record saying that Edwards could be the best player in college basketball. After the game, Raven Johnson, a teammate, made a bold prediction: “She will be.”

Edwards’ father, Charlie Edwards, was on hand and couldn’t hide his pride: “She’s owning the stage. But if you know Joy, she’s always owned the stage.”

For Edwards’ family, Friday’s game felt like a home matchup, but with one major difference: they couldn’t share their usual post-game moments together. Typically, the family would gather afterward—either chatting in the car or grabbing a bite to eat.

“We always spend time together after the game,” said Rasheedah Edwards, Joyce’s mother. “She always has to leave with us, but now I don’t know how it’ll work with the (NCAA) Tournament.”

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 recent years, the South Carolina women’s basketball program has seen remarkable success in the WNBA Draft, with six players selected in the first or second rounds over the past three years. It seems this trend will continue in the upcoming draft this spring, as the Gamecocks have multiple standouts expected to hear their names called once again.

This week, Tankathon released its updated WNBA Draft mock, which featured a pair of Gamecock players.

First up, Te-Hina Paopao, a guard for South Carolina, is listed as a potential pick for the No. 13 overall selection. Due to an offseason trade, the Las Vegas Aces now hold this pick. Should Paopao end up in Vegas, she would join A’ja Wilson and Tiffany Mitchell, two Gamecock legends, on the roster. Paopao’s shooting and secondary creation skills would be an ideal fit for a team already stacked with talent. Over her two years with South Carolina, Paopao has earned All-American honors twice, making a significant impact as one of the top contributors on a team considered by many to be a favorite to repeat as national champions.

Next, at No. 15, Tankathon has Sania Feagin, a post player, being selected by the Minnesota Lynx. While the Lynx already have standout post players like Napheesa Collier and Alanna Smith, Feagin’s two-way ability would be a valuable addition. Feagin, who patiently waited for her opportunity at South Carolina, became a starter this season. She particularly stepped up after Ashlyn Watkins suffered a season-ending injury, earning defensive All-SEC honors despite playing out of position at center throughout the year.

In addition to Paopao and Feagin, another Gamecock has been receiving some WNBA Draft attention: Raven Johnson, a redshirt junior. Though Johnson hasn’t publicly made a decision about her future, she is eligible for the draft. Projections have placed her in the second or third round. If she decides to go pro, she’s expected to be selected later in the draft, but another year in college could help her improve her draft stock. A more consistent scoring ability alongside her elite on-ball defense and strong facilitation could see her position rise.

The 2025 WNBA Draft will take place on April 14th at 7:30 p.m. in New York City, and will be broadcast live on ESPN, with streaming available on the ESPN app.

For now, though, the Gamecocks are focused on their NCAA Tournament run. They’ll take on Tennessee Tech in the first round on Friday at 4:00 p.m. at Colonial Life Arena, with the game airing on ESPN.

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.