COLUMBIA — South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley is undergoing a significant roster transition, with five players leaving and four new additions joining the team.
Three Gamecocks Sania Feagin, Te-Hina Paopao, and Bree Hall were selected in the WNBA Draft on April 14. Star guard MiLaysia Fulwiley and 6-foot-5 center Sakima Walker entered the transfer portal, with Fulwiley committing to LSU on April 25. To fill the gaps, Staley brought in top scorer Ta’Niya Latson from Florida State and 6-foot-6 center Madina Okot from Mississippi State. Incoming freshmen Agot Makeer, a 6-1 wing, and Ayla McDowell, a 6-2 forward, round out the additions.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, a projected starting five could include:
PG: Raven Johnson
SG: Ta’Niya Latson
SG/SF: Tessa Johnson
F: Joyce Edwards
F: Chloe Kitts
While South Carolina lacked a traditional center last season, Kitts and Edwards were effective offensively. Tessa Johnson brings valuable versatility, able to contribute as both a guard and forward, with strong defensive skills. Okot, likely coming off the bench, offers size and presence in the post and gives flexibility for Johnson to adjust positions.
Johnson’s elite 3-point shooting (43%) will help offset the departure of Paopao, whose shooting percentage dipped last year. Latson adds scoring from all levels, and her driving ability will open space for Johnson’s perimeter shooting. Maddy McDaniel, a 5-9 point guard who thrives in the paint, is expected to back up Raven Johnson and could pair well with Makeer for a dynamic second unit.
Ashlyn Watkins, sidelined by an ACL tear in January, is expected to be back mid-to-late summer. Once healthy, she’ll likely provide a defensive boost off the bench alongside Okot. Maryam Dauda and Kitts, both developing outside shooters, could give Staley additional flexibility in the frontcourt.
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