It is November, which means it is prime college basketball season for teams and fans around the country. The current number one overall team is the South Carolina Gamecocks and they are a force to be reckoned with. After a year of COVID, arenas are starting to allow more fans in the stands which is not a problem for the Gamecocks as they have had the highest attendance for women’s basketball the past few years, all thanks to the culture head coach Dawn Staley has established. The Gamecocks are already off to a 2-0 start, with their season opener against No. 5, NC State. Here are Five Facts to Know About The Gamecock WBB Team.
1. They Are Hungry
Although the Gamecocks are coming off of a great season last year, their national championship goal was left unaccomplished. The Gamecocks suffered a Final Four loss to who would later be named the champions, Stanford. A one-point loss that cost the game definitely stays in the back of the team’s mind going into the season. This Gamecock team is hungrier than ever for the national championship. And to bring the title of being national champions back to South Carolina, since the first program championship in 2017.
2. Deep Bench
This Gamecock WBB team has a deep bench, and when I say that I mean it. 16 players are listed on the roster this year. The program returned all players and added one transfer and four freshmen. From post players to guards, the Gamecocks have multiple players for every position which is huge especially when it comes to the tournament. Having a deep bench is a huge advantage when it comes to substitutions and rotations especially if injuries or exhaustion arise. Starters are important to the game, but bench players are just as important. Bench players can be a burst of energy off of the bench. Having a deep bench will be crucial this year for the Gamecock WBB.
3. Aliyah Boston
When you think of the Gamecocks it would be shocking if you did not think of junior, Aliyah Boston. All-SEC, Lisa Leslie Center of the Year, SEC co-defensive Player of the Year, are just a few of Boston’s long list of awards. She has been leading this team as a starter since she was a freshman. As a junior, she is back better than ever after having a strong off-season. Boston has her eyes on the prize seeking the trophy at the end in Minneapolis. Just against NC State, she had 5 blocks, and she also is an offensive threat. Under Boston’s leadership both on and off the court, the Gamecocks are headed in the right direction towards success. The Gamecock WBB team thrives under Boston and will continue to do so.
4. Phenomenal Freshman
This Gamecock WBB team continues to make history with this year’s freshman; being their second number one overall recruiting class, the first being the class of 2019 who are currently juniors. The Gamecocks currently have four freshmen all coming into the program with several accolades of their own. These freshmen make up the number two, three, four, and fourteen ranked overall players. Although only freshmen, these players are already extremely talented and will continue to be great additions to this team. Not only is this Gamecock WBB team successful now and in the past years. But will continue to be so with the help of these phenomenal freshmen.
5. Dawn Staley is Getting Paid
The woman behind this incredible Gamecock WBB team is finally getting the pay she deserves. On Oct. 15th, the University of South Carolina granted a $22.4 million contract for seven years. Staley has been the head coach at UofSC since 2008. And built the program from the ground up winning several SEC championships and a national championship in 2017. She is officially the highest-paid women’s college basketball in history for a black head coach. Staley continues to make strides towards both racial and gender equity while creating a winning culture in South Carolina. The Gamecock WBB team is blessed to be led by a phenomenal coach like Staley.
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