Lisa Leslie and Dawn Staley shared many years on the court with Team USA. In Thursday’s episode of “Fast Friends” with Kelley O’Hara and Leslie, the WNBA legend spoke about the South Carolina coach and how Staley is central to the Gamecocks’ culture and victories.

Lisa Leslie and O’Hara were giving their predictions for each team in the NCAA for the 2024-25 season. When talking about South Carolina, Leslie spoke about Dawn Staley’s influence on her team and also on the teams she played in during her playing career.

Dawn Staley, Lisa Leslie (Image Credits: IMAGN)

“I think Dawn is the kind of person who, she’s such a loyal person, a great teammate,” Leslie said. “You know like, teammates describe you, it’s that thing that’s contagious where you make people want to be better, she brings the best out of others.”

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While they did not share the court in the WNBA, Dawn Staley and Lisa Leslie played in three Olympics (1996, 2000 and 2004) together and won gold medals.

“I remember her just passing me the ball and I will dive and break my neck before I let that ball land out of bounds or before she gets a turnover because I didn’t catch it,” Leslie said. “I think that’s just the will that she brings, is making each individual want to be at their best and you feel like you let her down when you’re not giving your all.”

Lisa Leslie shares her predictions for Dawn Staley and South Carolina

Lisa Leslie was present for South Carolina’s season opener against Michigan on Monday. After seeing the team play, Leslie gave her predictions for the No. 1-ranked Gamecocks, who are defending their 2024 NCAA championship this season.

“They are coming off an undefeated season, which is a lot of pressure,” Leslie said. “I don’t think that they will stay undefeated. They have excellent chemistry, which is key. I think they have an excellent defense.

“I think they miss a lot with Cardoso not being there in the middle. She’s cleaned up a lot of you know misses and miss-ups and chippies. That’s where they’re going to have to really find a stronghold in the post. I think South Carolina will have another successful season. I just don’t think they will be undefeated.”

The 68-62 win against Michigan was a close call, and it was evident that the absence of a center affected the team. While most predictions place South Carolina to win back-to-back, the road to the championship will be tough, especially against teams like UConn and USC.