Dawn Staley drops harsh reality check on South Carolina players about their WNBA future

Coach Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks are enjoying a great start to their SEC play this 2024-25 season. They dominated the Missouri Tigers 83-52 on Thursday for their first conference win and have amassed a stifling 13-1 record overall.

But even with the defending national champions leading the way once again, Staley believes none of her starters would be in the same roles if they were in the WNBA. Success in the professional league requires players to embrace their roles, according to the 54-year-old coach.

During the squad's practice session at Mississippi State's home court, where they will face the Bulldogs in their second SEC game, Staley shared her thoughts in a pre-game interview, saying:

"They (players) can start anywhere else in the country ... They could be starters in other places, but they know that it's not totally about starting. It's about the big picture, which is preparing them to be a pro 'cause I don't think we have anybody on our team that can go into the WNBA and start."

The current crop of Gamecocks has several standouts who could make an impact once they declare for the WNBA. Fifth-year senior Te-Hina Paopao is likely to be selected in next year’s draft. Along with her championship experience, she is leading South Carolina with 11.4 points per game this season.

There are also rising stars in freshman Joyce Edwards and sophomore MiLaysia Fulwiley, who are among the top scorers for the Dawn Staley-coached squad this year. Edwards is averaging 10.9 ppg, while Fulwiley is close behind with 10.6 ppg.

But as Dawn Staley discussed, there is more to it than just being a star. To her, knowing one’s role on the squad is crucial. The Gamecocks will face the Bulldogs next in another test of their team synergy on Sunday.

Dawn Staley says that limiting oneself to a role can be beneficial

Later in the interview, Staley expressed her belief that if a player reduces her production to fit into the team’s role, it can contribute to growth and development.

"To be able to play a role like that, that will be a natural role for you in the league in the very beginning, it's not a bad thing," she shared. (0:35 mark)

Some of Dawn Staley's former players who have gone on to become WNBA stars include players such as A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston.