News Summary
The South Carolina women’s basketball team has made significant changes to its roster as players prepare for the upcoming season. Key player Ashlyn Watkins will sit out the season, prompting Coach Dawn Staley to reevaluate her strategies. New additions including Ta’Niya Latson, a leading scorer, and seasoned veterans aim to bolster the team. The Gamecocks look forward to an exhibition game against North Carolina, set to draw fans together as they kick off the 2025-26 season.
South Carolina women’s basketball team has made significant adjustments to its roster for the 2025-26 season following Ashlyn Watkins‘ announcement on July 25, 2025, that she will sit out the upcoming season. Initially anticipated to return after recovering from an ACL tear suffered in January, Watkins will now take a year off and plan to return for the 2026-27 season. This decision forces Coach Dawn Staley to reevaluate her lineup ahead of a competitive season.
Watkins, a key player for the Gamecocks, has greatly influenced the program’s performance. Her absence is expected to affect various position groups significantly. The roster is now balanced on experience, athleticism, and potential talent. Senior Raven Johnson, at 5-foot-9, will be stepping into a leadership role as the projected starting point guard for her fifth season. Johnson is known for her defensive skills and her prowess in orchestrating offense, with averages of 4.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game last season.
Sophomore Maddy McDaniel, also standing at 5-foot-9, is anticipated to back Johnson as she steps into the starting role. McDaniel, who previously contributed decent minutes off the bench during her freshman year, shares similar offensive preferences with Johnson, focusing on plays inside the arc and excelling in driving and passing.
In a strategic move, South Carolina has added 5-foot-8 Ta’Niya Latson, who led the nation in scoring during the 2024-25 season with an impressive average of 25.2 points per game. Johnson will be tasked with facilitating ball movement to Latson, who is expected to utilize her skills for creating shots in the Gamecocks’ ball movement-driven system. Both Latson and 6-foot Tessa Johnson are recognized for their ability to generate offense independently.
Furthermore, the return of 6-foot-2 Chloe Kitts, who was a standout forward last season alongside Sania Feagin, now in the WNBA, will be crucial. Kitts’ contributions are expected to be balanced against the tactical decisions made by Staley, who may pivot her approach depending on opponent scouting reports. Joyce Edwards, a 6-foot-3 forward who came off the bench as a freshman and led her team with 12.7 points per game, adds depth and will also play a critical role in the Gamecocks’ offense.
An additional asset in the frontcourt is Maryam Dauda, a 6-foot-4 transfer from Arkansas who demonstrated versatility and confidence in her play by the end of last season. Dauda’s ability to adapt her game, playing both as a traditional forward and stretch option, grants Staley additional versatility in her lineup. Furthermore, Adhel Tac, standing at 6-foot-5, looks to bring depth back to the center position after recovering from a knee injury.
To bolster the depth of the team, Madina Okot, a transfer from Mississippi State standing at 6-foot-6, brings valuable SEC experience. Incoming freshmen Agot Makeer (6-foot-1) and Ayla McDowell (6-foot-2) contribute versatility as wings/combo guards, allowing flexibility in their positions on the court.
Looking ahead, the Gamecocks are set to face North Carolina in an exhibition game scheduled for October 30, 2025, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. This matchup will occur alongside a doubleheader featuring Auburn and Memphis men’s basketball teams. With the series historically tied at 11-11, South Carolina holds a 5-4 record against North Carolina under Coach Staley, winning the last four encounters, including two games in the 2023-24 season.
Tickets for the highly anticipated exhibition go on sale on August 8, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET. South Carolina is also offering a “FAM Bus Trip” package for $125, which includes round-trip transportation, upper reserved game tickets, a box lunch, and snacks for fans wishing to support their team.
The looming 2025-26 season hails promise and challenges for the Gamecocks, especially as they build from a strong showing last year, finishing with a remarkable record of 35-4 and reaching the national championship game.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Gamecocks to face Tar Heels in exhibition
- Google Search: South Carolina women’s basketball 2025-2026
- Breaking down the impact of Ashlyn Watkins’ absence
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball
- South Carolina women’s basketball prepares for exhibition
- Google News: South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
