Dawn Staley Flying Under the Radar as South Carolina’s Overlooked Strategy Keeps SEC Rivals on Edge

In basketball, strategy often hides in plain sight—a well-executed pick-and-roll or a perfectly timed fast break. But sometimes, brilliance lies beneath the surface, overshadowed by flashier plays. For South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, her team’s depth and adaptability have quietly become their weapon, as their game against Texas A&M in the absence of Ashlyn Watkins would prove. Now this strategy seems to be resurfacing ahead one of the most anticipated games of the season– between the top 2 ranked teams.

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South Carolina’s depth, a cornerstone of Staley’s approach, is rewriting the narrative on how teams can dominate. On the podcast “Got Next w/ Meghan & Zora,” by NBC Sports, host Meghan McKeown highlighted the Gamecocks’ depth, saying, “South Carolina to me, is still a Final Four team. Like I’m excited to see them in SEC play. But yeah, I mean, like their depth is off the chain. They are averaging more bench points than anybody in the nation right now. Like more than 40, which is crazy.”

Indeed, as the host noted, South Carolina’s bench has scored an average of 43.4 points per game, the highest in the NCAA.

This strength was on full display in their recent 90-49 victory over Texas A&M. Despite the loss of Watkins, who was a force on both ends of the court, to a season-ending injury, the Gamecocks rolled over the Aggies with their trademark smothering defense and contributions from across the roster.

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Freshman Joyce Edwards stepped up with 19 points and 10 rebounds, notching her seventh double-double of the season. Meanwhile, Maryam Dauda logged valuable minutes, showcasing the depth that Staley has cultivated. The bench contributed 53 of the team’s 90 points, a testament to the “next player up” mentality that defines this squad.

South Carolina’s depth isn’t just support—it’s a relentless force, turning every substitution into a game-changing advantage.

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Staley’s silent storm: How South Carolina’s depth and defense keep the gamecocks unstoppable in the SEC

South Carolina ranks second in the AP Poll and the NCAA Women’s Basketball NET Rankings, with a defense that forces turnovers and a bench that delivers consistent scoring. Against Texas A&M, the Gamecocks’ defense limited their opponents to 20% shooting in the first half and 28.4% overall. Even Aicha Coulibaly, who dropped 32 points on South Carolina in last year’s SEC Tournament, was held to just one field goal after hitting her first three shots.

Dec 8, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley discusses a call with an official during the first half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

This depth will be crucial as South Carolina enters a challenging five-game stretch against top-18 teams, including Texas, LSU, and Oklahoma. Staley’s ability to manage her roster and maximize contributions from all players ensures the Gamecocks remain a threat despite injuries or fatigue. As McKeown noted, “Their depth is off the chain.” It’s a sentiment visible in their performance, where every substitution by Staley seems like a calculated move in a larger game plan.

The Gamecocks are 3-0 in the conference currently, and Staley is prepared for whatever is to come. “We’re gonna play hard, we’re gonna give our best effort. That doesn’t mean that we’re going to play perfectly, but we’re going to muck it up to where other teams can’t play perfectly either,” she says. Texas face the heat next on January 11th.