The 2024-25 NCAA season has begun in full throttle. As for the South Carolina Gamecocks, Dawn Staley tipped it off with a win over the Michigan Wolverines. However, the game also indicated a potential for turbulence for the reigning champs. After a perfect record last season, the 2024 national champions are finding themselves up against new challenges.

In their recent matchup in the Hall of Fame series, the Gamecocks had to buckle up quite hard to avoid a major upset from the Wolverines with a 68-62 win. Although a victory, South Carolina did get a reality check about what this season could present them in the days ahead.

Looking at Michigan’s energy against the Gamecocks, Dawn Staley shared some insights in the post-game presser and said, “They just put us back on our heels. Thought they got all the 50-50 balls. I thought they just played harder like they just attacked us. They imposed their will on us and they were in attack mode for most of the night. I mean we made adjustments.”

The Wolverines had a transitional off-season as six of their players transferred out. Moreover, two of their top scorers graduated from the program. Despite that, the Wolverines head coach, Kim Barnes Arico, found a way to give SC a run for their money and put on an offensive show.

Staley’s observations of the game also pointed out the “nastiness” and “pettiness” of the game that is there at the start of the season. “It’s a really young season and we’re going to get everybody’s best all the time. We’re not going to shy away from obviously having that target on our back. We got some players that have to make the adjustments to certain roles in our basketball team and that takes a little bit of time.”

But why there is so much concern at this point, given South Carolina is a tough team to beat? Let’s find out.

The season might see Dawn Staley on her toes

Last year, the Gamecocks ruled the season with their undefeated record. But this time, things appear to be a lot more different as South Carolina’s roster still lacks versatility. For the past few seasons, the Gamecocks had star players A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and Kamilla Cardoso, who left an indelible mark on the program’s legacy.

USA Today via Reuters

But, now, there is yet to occur when a player on this team steps up as a leader who can guide the team through its second championship run. The Gamecocks return 9 of 11 players this season.

In their first game, Chloe Kitts posted a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Coming off the bench, Tessa Johnson and Joyce Edwards added 15 and 10 points respectively. Moreover, they were able to perform effectively from the backcourt. However, they still lacked an experienced face to dominate in the paint.

The game was a natural tugfight as Michigan closely emerged as the first team since South Carolina’s Big Ten Conference rival Iowa. What gave the Gamecocks this narrow victory were the late free throws. The Wolverines had cut down South Carolina’s lead to two points, but the Gamecocks rose to the occasion and made 4-of-6 free throws to keep their lead and victory for themselves.

As the season is still fresh, the Gamecocks need to bring back their strong momentum from last year and keep the ball rolling. And, given their lack of a standout player on the team, the Gamecocks can work things out collectively with players like Chloe Kitts, Ashlyn Watkins, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Te-Hina Paopao, Raven Johnson, and Bree Hall setting the tone.