Per BetMGM and ESPN, South Carolina enters the 2026 college basketball season as the frontrunner for the national championship. Despite losing three starters from last year’s Final Four squad, the Gamecocks may have upgraded their overall talent.
Head coach Dawn Staley will be working to integrate key newcomers, including transfer Ta’Niya Latson and Mississippi State transfer Madina Okot. But the spotlight may fall on whether freshmen Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell are ready to make immediate contributions.
The Gamecocks’ frontcourt is deep and formidable. Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards were standouts throughout last season. Okot brings size and rebounding prowess, nearly averaging a double-double last season, addressing a gap the Gamecocks previously lacked. Maryam Dauda and Adhel Tac are also poised for increased roles, while Ashlyn Watkins — South Carolina’s top interior defender before her ACL injury — is expected to return during the season.
In the backcourt, South Carolina boasts one of the nation’s best units. Raven Johnson leads as a lockdown defender and experienced floor general, joined by sharpshooter and underrated defender Tessa Johnson. Latson, last season’s national scoring leader, adds more firepower. Sophomore Maddy McDaniel also flashed her potential in limited but meaningful NCAA tournament minutes.
Still, four capable guards competing for three spots creates a challenge, especially since only Tessa Johnson has the size to play on the wing. That’s where Makeer and McDowell could become critical to another championship run.
South Carolina’s success in recent years has often depended on elite wing defenders like Brea Beal and Bree Hall. Makeer (6-1) and McDowell (6-2) have similar physical tools and have impressed on the international stage. Makeer shined at the 2024 U18 AmeriCup, making the All-Star Five with averages of 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.0 steals. McDowell contributed 14.8 points and 7.7 rebounds for Brazil in the same tournament.
While Makeer stood out as a defensive specialist in high school showcases like the Nike Hoop Summit effectively shutting down top recruit Aaliyah Chavez McDowell showed flashes of her shooting range and gained experience playing against WNBA competition with Brazil’s senior team.
Though McDowell’s AmeriCup stats were modest (2.3 points, 1.5 rebounds in 10 minutes), her youth and the high level of competition suggest room for growth. She’ll likely find next season’s college competition more manageable.
Importantly, South Carolina doesn’t need either freshman to dominate. Ten minutes of energy, defense, and hustle per game from Makeer or McDowell could be enough to push the Gamecocks over the top in their pursuit of another national title.
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