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During a recent interview, Dawn Staley spoke candidly about the strong bond between her and her players, saying, “There’s something about us that they like. That is the very thing that continues to drive them while they’re with us.” Staley, who has built a remarkable 470-109 record since taking over as head coach of the South Carolina women’s basketball team in 2008, emphasized the importance of maintaining honesty and transparency with her athletes.

As is the case with any competitive environment, not all players are content when they feel their playing time is lacking. But Staley has found a way to navigate these tensions by addressing the issues head-on. “If you’re having a bad day, why did you decide to come here? It helps you get over your bad day a little bit easier, right? We’re just completely honest,” Staley explained. “If something looks, sounds, or feels off, we’re going to address it. If it looks, sounds, feels great, we’re going to promote it. I believe we know what to say to our players that will allow them to grow. Yes, they may be angry one minute, but we get down to, ‘Why? Why are you angry?’ Then we talk about that, break it down. We do it time and time again.”

One instance that tested her approach came on senior night when Bree Hall, one of her regular starters, was kept on the bench for the entire fourth quarter while five other players finished the game. “Does she feel a certain type of way? Yeah, she’s a competitor. Senior night, last regular-season game,” Staley said. “But you talk to her. You say, ‘Hey, 90% of the time you’ve been in the game. That’s been you.’ They understand when we have a unit out there that’s playing well, we’re going to continue to play them.”

Staley recognizes that clear communication is key to avoiding any lingering resentment or misunderstandings. “If I don’t say anything to Breezy, she might hold on to that for the rest of her life and remember that,” Staley noted. “When if you just address it, she can get it over with.”

This direct and open approach has helped Staley maintain a successful and cohesive team dynamic over the years.

South Carolina football kicked off its spring practice on Wednesday morning, but there was a notable absence on the field. Defensive back Vicari Swain was not participating in practice, according to a USC spokesperson. The spokesperson clarified that while Swain is still with the team, he is currently addressing an academic issue.

Despite this setback, if Swain resolves the matter soon, he could still play a significant role on the Gamecocks’ defense. Although he wasn’t expected to start in 2024, the former 4-star recruit proved valuable last season, rotating in behind starters O’Donnell Fortune and Judge Collier. With Fortune aiming for the 2025 NFL Draft, Swain was one of the frontrunners to step into a starting role alongside Collier.

Swain had a solid redshirt freshman campaign in 2024, appearing in all 13 games. He racked up 13 total tackles, including a strip sack against Kentucky, and even knocked away a pass. Swain played 314 snaps, the sixth-most among South Carolina’s secondary players, solidifying his position as the team’s top backup in the defensive backfield. Given that the Gamecocks often deploy five defensive backs, Swain was a key contributor, coming in as a reliable reserve.

Looking ahead, regardless of Swain’s status, South Carolina’s secondary will see some changes this fall. With Fortune and safety Nick Emmanwori heading to the NFL, two starting spots are now up for grabs. Judge Collier (cornerback), DQ Smith (safety), and Jalon Kilgore (nickel/safety) are expected to start, but the competition for the remaining spots will be fierce throughout the spring and summer. For more on these battles, GamecockCentral’s Wes Mitchell has the inside scoop, breaking down the competition here.

More news…..

South Carolina Women’s Basketball: Potential Transfer Portal Targets for the Gamecocks

Today we’re diving into a couple of standout names in the world of college basketball, and first up is Rose, a two-time SoCon Player of the Year. Despite playing just six games last season due to injury, she’s already made a huge impact when healthy. Rose dropped 23 points in a game against Duke and followed that up with a solid performance of 20 points and 8 rebounds at South Carolina. She’s already proven she can compete at the highest levels, showcasing her skills at a power conference caliber.

Next, we’ve got Kiyomi McMiller, a 5’8″ freshman guard from Rutgers. Last season, McMiller averaged 18.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, quickly earning a name for herself and nearly snagging the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award. However, despite all the potential, McMiller has yet to enter the transfer portal, but rumors suggest that’s just around the corner.

Here’s where it gets tricky—McMiller has been suspended multiple times this season, with the first suspension reportedly linked to a locker room incident. What’s concerning is how McMiller handled the situation afterward, which raised serious questions about her maturity and self-awareness. For a team like South Carolina, who needs stability and a strong team culture, she might not be the right fit.

Definitely a situation to keep an eye on as McMiller’s next move could shake things up in the coming weeks.

 South Carolina’s Defense: Comparing 2022 Championship Squad to the 2025 Gamecocks

Good evening, folks. The South Carolina Gamecocks have just wrapped up their SEC Tournament victory, with three dominant defensive performances that have set the tone as they head into the NCAA Tournament. Now, the burning question: How does this year’s defense measure up against the 2022 national champions?

To put things in perspective, let’s flashback to the 2021-22 season. The Gamecocks were occasionally challenged offensively, particularly in games like the SEC title loss to Kentucky and during the early rounds of the NCAA Tournament against Miami and North Carolina. However, they made up for it with one of the most suffocating defenses ever seen in women’s basketball.

The heart of that defense was Aliyah Boston, perhaps the best pick-and-roll defender ever, alongside Kamilla Cardoso, the towering 6-7 shot-blocker. Destanni Henderson was a disruptive force at the point guard position, while Brea Beal was the defensive specialist, tasked with shutting down opposing stars.

But the 2021-22 squad wasn’t just about the stars. The team boasted incredible depth, with freshmen Bree Hall and Saniya Rivers providing versatile defensive looks, and seasoned veterans LeLe Grissett and Victaria Saxton rounding out a formidable defensive unit.

In the 2022 NCAA Tournament, South Carolina allowed just 45.5 points per game, with teams shooting only .348 from the field. Their tournament run began with a historical defensive showing, holding Howard to just 21 points in the first round—a new tournament record. They continued to stifle opponents, holding Miami to just 33 points (the eighth-lowest score in tournament history) and then capped it off by holding UConn to 49 points, the sixth-fewest ever in a championship game.

Now, comparing that to the 2025 squad, it’s clear that the bar has been raised. While it’s tough to replicate the sheer defensive dominance of 2022, the 2025 Gamecocks have set their own defensive benchmarks. This year, they set an SEC Tournament record for the fewest points allowed in a championship game and followed that up by holding Iowa State to just 36 points. Moreover, they’ve managed to shut down five straight ranked opponents, holding them 30 points below their usual scoring averages.

When comparing the numbers, two key points stand out. Firstly, the 2025 Gamecocks are significantly better offensively. They score enough to create a cushion for defensive lapses, yet still manage to shut down opposing offenses. In contrast, the 2022 team relied heavily on defense, almost out of necessity.

Secondly, the defensive style has evolved. In 2022, the goal was to keep everything in front, switch screens, and funnel the ball into the paint, where Boston and Cardoso would clean up. Fast forward to 2025, and we see a more aggressive defensive approach. There’s more ball pressure, denial, and an emphasis on keeping the ball on the perimeter, allowing the Gamecocks to jump passing lanes and force turnovers. Players like Raven Johnson, Chloe Kitts, Bree Hall, Tessa Johnson, and the lightning-fast MiLaysia Fulwiley can close gaps in a flash, making it hard for opponents to get comfortable.

The result? Opponents are stifled on both ends of the court, and if the 2025 Gamecocks maintain this defensive prowess, it could very well lead to another championship run. The stage is set, and all eyes are on the Gamecocks as they look to make their mark on the NCAA Tournament once again.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow the Gamecocks’ journey to the big stage!

South Carolina football recruiting, Gordon Sellars, a top receiver target for the Gamecocks, is drawing attention as one of the most sought-after prospects on their board. The Providence Day School star from Charlotte, who is a consensus 4-star recruit, is eyeing five schools but revealed on Tuesday to On3’s Hayes Fawcett that he plans to announce his college decision on April 18th.

That date is significant for South Carolina fans, as it coincides with the annual Garnet and Black Spring Game. Coincidentally, Sellars has arranged an unofficial visit to Columbia that same weekend, which could be a positive sign for the Gamecocks. Additionally, Sellars has a scheduled official visit to South Carolina on June 6th.

Ranked as the No. 211 overall prospect in the nation by On3’s industry ranking, which aggregates rankings from On3, 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals, Sellars is also the No. 34 wide receiver and the No. 13 prospect in North Carolina in a highly competitive class.

This winter, Sellars trimmed his list of schools down to five, but he told Fawcett that his final choices now include six programs. Alongside South Carolina, Sellars is considering the Georgia Bulldogs, North Carolina A&T Aggies, Clemson Tigers, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Michigan Wolverines. Notably, Ohio State and North Carolina A&T are recent additions to his list, with Ohio State extending an offer this week following an unofficial visit to Columbus.

At this point, Sellars has official visits lined up to South Carolina, Clemson, Georgia, and Michigan. He recently visited Clemson unofficially and will head to Ann Arbor to check out the Wolverines a week before his announcement.

Notably, Sellars is a 7-on-7 teammate of South Carolina commit J’Zavien Currence and fellow Gamecocks target Samari Matthews.

More news…..

South Carolina Women’s Basketball: Potential Transfer Portal Targets for the Gamecocks

Today we’re diving into a couple of standout names in the world of college basketball, and first up is Rose, a two-time SoCon Player of the Year. Despite playing just six games last season due to injury, she’s already made a huge impact when healthy. Rose dropped 23 points in a game against Duke and followed that up with a solid performance of 20 points and 8 rebounds at South Carolina. She’s already proven she can compete at the highest levels, showcasing her skills at a power conference caliber.

Next, we’ve got Kiyomi McMiller, a 5’8″ freshman guard from Rutgers. Last season, McMiller averaged 18.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, quickly earning a name for herself and nearly snagging the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award. However, despite all the potential, McMiller has yet to enter the transfer portal, but rumors suggest that’s just around the corner.

Here’s where it gets tricky—McMiller has been suspended multiple times this season, with the first suspension reportedly linked to a locker room incident. What’s concerning is how McMiller handled the situation afterward, which raised serious questions about her maturity and self-awareness. For a team like South Carolina, who needs stability and a strong team culture, she might not be the right fit.

Definitely a situation to keep an eye on as McMiller’s next move could shake things up in the coming weeks.

 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — “You said South Carolina Panthers,” linebacker Debo Williams quickly corrected, making it clear his comment was more of a correction than a question.

It’s not far off, though. As NFL teams prepare for next month’s draft, they’re traveling to various pro days across the country, and the ties between South Carolina and NFL clubs are becoming more evident. Columbia has consistently been a resource for the Carolina Panthers, who currently have five former Gamecocks on their roster: Jaycee Horn, Xavier Legette, D.J. Wonnum, Jadeveon Clowney, and newly signed free agent Rico Dowdle.

The Gamecocks are certainly aware of how well represented they are on the Panthers roster.

“Got them all on social media and stuff like that, I congratulated Jaycee Horn for his great addition and what he was able to do,” Williams said. “So we’ll keep it rolling. Hopefully they still like us and are able to draft us and bring us on.”

On Tuesday, Williams and linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. were put through drills by Panthers linebackers coach Pete Hansen and assistant linebackers coach Mayur Chaudhari.

“Definitely took away some things that you can add to your game,” Knight said. “Like always finishing, which is second nature, but being able to keep your feet as a linebacker, things don’t always go right in a play, but get up, keep going.”

The Panthers weren’t the only ones paying attention at South Carolina’s pro day. The talent-rich SEC environment drew many teams, but the focus was particularly on Nick Emmanwori, the safety who turned heads at the NFL Combine. His eye-popping 4.38-second 40-yard dash, 43-inch vertical, and 11-6 broad jump made him one of the standout players in Indianapolis, and he didn’t rest on his impressive combine performance during pro day. Emmanwori participated in every position drill, even repeating them to perfect his technique.

“That’s just a dawg mentality. That’s just what’s in me. Like, messed up, come back, do it again, make it right,” Emmanwori said. “That’s just the type of guy I am, come back, get to work.”

A possible first-round pick, Emmanwori is aware of Carolina’s history with Gamecocks players and the Panthers’ current draft position at No. 8 overall. With nine picks to work with, Emmanwori is hopeful his connection with the team will lead to an opportunity in Charlotte.

“The Panthers, man, they got a huge impact on us down here,” Emmanwori said. “Just got Rico (Dowdle), so they’re building a Gamecock squad up there, so hopefully they come pick me up too.”

Alongside Emmanwori, there were several other intriguing prospects on display at pro day, including defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway. The younger brother of former Chiefs wide receiver Junior Hemingway, Tonka took his sibling’s advice to just be himself throughout the day.

“I really, I feel like I did really good from my head up, you know, meeting-wise, and then also showed my athletic ability so that I can play at this level,” Tonka shared.

Demetrius Knight, who previously spent time with the 49ers in Charlotte, was another standout after a solid season with 82 tackles and 2 sacks. For the sixth-year senior, pro day was simply another step forward in his journey.

“Never being content with myself,” Knight said of his mindset. “I had a day to get better from. I did things today that I can learn from, and then, you know, you get better. Days like today, we’re going to stack on that. We’re going to continue to stack this day Pro Day until we get drafted and then on this to the NFL.”

With pro days winding down, teams will soon shift their focus to final team visits and interviews. While there is still much to be decided, the South Carolina prospects walking off the field Tuesday afternoon couldn’t help but feel the hope of adding their names to the growing list of Gamecocks in Charlotte — and maybe becoming a part of the “South Carolina Panthers.”

South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team gears up for their first-round matchup in the NCAA Tournament. With one clear goal in mind — to become the first team to achieve a three-peat since UConn — the Gamecocks are ready to make history. They have the talent, the team, and the experience to get the job done, but there are still some tough challenges ahead.

Fortunately for South Carolina, they won’t have to face those heavy hitters until much later in the tournament. But in March Madness, anything can happen, and the Gamecocks can’t afford to look too far ahead. Their full focus needs to be on the game in front of them, starting with their first-round opponent: 16-seed Tennessee Tech.

How to watch No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 16 Tennessee Tech in Round 1 of the NCAA Tournament:

• Date: Friday, March 21
• Time: 4:00 p.m. EST
• Channel: ESPN
• Streaming: NCAA March Madness Live, FuboTV
• Announcers: TBA

Betting Odds for No. 16 Tennessee Tech vs. No. 1 South Carolina:

• Spread: Tennessee Tech +42.5 (-110) | South Carolina -42.5 (-110)
• Total Points (O/U): 140.5 (-110/-110)

Prediction for Round 1:

The Gamecocks are entering the NCAA Tournament with a chip on their shoulder, and that should be concerning for the competition. With more losses this season than in the past two years combined, there are doubts about whether South Carolina can clinch the three-peat. Losses to UCLA, UConn, and Texas have left some questioning their dominance, but when it comes to March, there’s one thing Dawn Staley’s teams excel at: competing and winning.

As the reigning national champions, the Gamecocks will face Tennessee Tech in their opening game, a matchup that on paper should be a decisive victory by halftime. However, South Carolina has had moments this season where they’ve struggled to finish off teams they should have dominated early. Still, this is a game where South Carolina should have no trouble, likely taking out their starters early in the second half.

While anything can happen in March Madness, expect the Gamecocks to take care of business with a comfortable win, setting up a second-round showdown against the winner of Indiana vs. Utah.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow South Carolina’s journey through the NCAA Tournament!

Reporting live as the 2025 South Carolina Gamecocks are about to kick off spring practice today, bringing a fresh wave of anticipation after last season’s 9-4 finish. The Gamecocks ended on a high note, winning their final six regular-season games, including a dramatic 17-14 victory at Clemson, and nearly earning a spot in the inaugural 12-team playoff. Expectations are soaring for this team, arguably higher than any in the last decade. But before we dive into talk of the 2025 playoff, let’s address five key questions as the Gamecocks begin their spring practices.

1. Can QB Air Noland challenge LaNorris Sellers for the starting spot?
Let’s set the record straight: Sellers is the starting quarterback for the 2025 season. However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be competition. Air Noland, the former four-star prospect who transferred from Ohio State, is certainly capable of pushing Sellers. While last year’s quarterback battle was essentially settled from day one, with Sellers outshining Robby Ashford, Noland’s presence could elevate Sellers’ game even further. It’s possible that Noland will also get game reps, especially in certain packages, as South Carolina explored using Ashford in different situations last season. But with only Dante Reno and Cutter Woods as the other scholarship quarterbacks, Noland is heavily favored for the backup role.

2. Does LB Fred Johnson emerge as an elite player right away?
As the 2024 season concluded, several coaches and seniors pointed to Fred Johnson as a player to watch in 2025. Nick Emmanwori, a safety, described him as a playmaker: “He’s a dude that a lot of fans haven’t really seen… I can’t wait for him to show what he can do next year.” After a solid true freshman campaign, where he earned playing time on special teams, Johnson now finds himself with an almost open path to start, given the departures of key linebackers like Debo Williams and Demetrius Knight. With transfer linebackers Justin Okoronkwo (from Alabama) and Shawn Murphy (from Florida State) joining the fold, Johnson is certainly one to watch this spring as he looks to live up to the hype.

3. Who emerges as the top running back?
In 2024, Rocket Sanders dominated carries, but don’t expect the same in 2025. The Gamecocks are likely to go with a more committee-based approach this year, using veterans like Oscar Adaway (who transferred from North Texas), Rahsul Faison (a transfer from Utah State), Jawarn Howell, and Matthew Fuller. The two names to keep a close eye on are Adaway and Faison, both seasoned players, with Adaway turning heads in the Citrus Bowl and Faison coming off an impressive 1,100-yard season at Utah State. The question will be: Who can prove themselves as the top guy in spring practice?

4. Which transfer defenders are stepping up?
With seven starters from last year’s stellar defense gone, a lot of attention is on the new transfers. Fred Johnson isn’t the only player to watch; South Carolina brought in 14 transfers this offseason, eight of whom are on defense. Among the names to keep an eye on are Okoronkwo and Murphy at linebacker, and Brandon Cisse, a cornerback from N.C. State, who may replace O’Donnell Fortune in the starting lineup. The three new defensive tackles, especially Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy (a former five-star from Texas A&M), will also have significant opportunities to play, as will Jaylen Brown, a transfer edge rusher from Missouri. The spring will give us an early glimpse at who will step up to fill those critical defensive roles.

5. Who will handle kicking and punting duties?
For the first time since 2017, South Carolina enters a season without its returning kicker or punter. With Alex Herrera and Kai Kroeger gone, the Gamecocks have a few candidates vying for those spots. Mason Love, who backed up Kroeger last year, is likely the front-runner for punter. But the kicker position is still up for grabs between Love, Peyton Argent, and William Joyce. The competition is wide open, and with the spring transfer portal window opening soon, South Carolina may look to bring in a kicker for added depth. And don’t forget about replacing Hunter Rogers as the long snapper — it’s a whole new era for Beamer Ball in 2025.

As spring practice kicks off, these are just a few of the questions that will shape the Gamecocks’ 2025 season. Stay tuned as we follow their journey leading up to the season opener!

Reporting live from the Long Family Football Operations Center at the University of South Carolina, where the excitement is palpable during the annual Pro Timing Day. Twenty-five former Gamecock football players showcased their talents in front of 68 NFL general managers, coaches, and scouts, representing all 32 NFL teams and two CFL organizations.

Among the participants were Kamaar Bell, Davis Beville, Dalevon Campbell, Terrell Dawkins, Gilber Edmond, Nick Emmanwori, O’Donnell Fortune, Tonka Hemingway, Alex Herrera, Alex Huntley, DeAndre Jules, Kyle Kennard, Demetrius Knight Jr., Kai Kroeger, Gage Larvadain, Vershon Lee, Bam Martin-Scott, Juju McDowell, Hunter Rogers, Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, T.J. Sanders, Joshua Simon, Torricelli Simpkins III, David Spaulding, and Debo Williams.

The action kicked off bright and early at 8 a.m., starting with physical measurements in the weight room. Players were assessed for height, weight, wingspan, arm and hand sizes. From there, the athletes moved on to a series of physical tests, including the vertical jump and bench press with 225 pounds.

Next up, the players showed off their agility and speed at the indoor practice facility, where they participated in the broad jump, 40-yard dash, short shuttle, and 3-cone drill. The day concluded with individual position drills, where the players had a chance to shine in their respective positions.

Among the standout performances, Gage Larvadain impressed with a remarkable 38 ½-inch vertical jump and a blazing 4.45-second 40-yard dash. Gilber Edmond made his mark in the broad jump with a 10-foot-8-inch leap. Debo Williams displayed impressive strength with 32 reps on the bench press, one more than Kamaar Bell. Meanwhile, Juju McDowell showcased his quickness with a 4.23-second shuttle and a 7.08-second 3-cone drill.

As the players continue to chase their NFL dreams, all eyes are now on the upcoming NFL Draft, set to take place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from April 24-26.

Stay tuned for more updates as these former Gamecocks look to take their next step toward professional football!