Days after MiLaysia Fulwiley criticism, Dawn Staley refocuses on developing the South Carolina star's "superpower"

Just when Dawn Staley asked for a balance, her South Carolina Gamecocks delivered. USC clinched its eighth win of the season after defeating No. 8 Duke 81-70 on Thursday. Behind timely rotations, three starters scored in double digits. The bench accounted for more than half of the Gamecocks' 13 steals.

With that, Staley also witnessed an ideal glimpse of MiLaysia Fulwiley as the athletic guard took it to the rack in the final minutes of the third quarter. Staley claims that it is the only approach she wants from the homegrown talent, citing it as her superpower.

"Yeah we have to get her going," Staley said. "And it is that particular play - the way she scored on that play is what we need from her. She can still do what she does but we need more of those fundamental straight-line drives where she's utilizing her skill set and her superpower - her speed, her jumping ability. I mean that is like pitch perfect." (6:11)

Dawn Staley has displayed reservations about MiLaysia Fulwiley's flashy style of offense in the past. Staley has criticized the extra flair in her game in the past, citing that it fails to strike a balance with her scoring potential.

However, the defending championship coach claimed that she would give the guard a pass as long as Fulwiley was willing to correct a few areas of her game.

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Dawn Staley claims that the Gamecocks' schedule complements student-athletes goals

The Gamecocks have faced four ranked teams and played four neutral site games across their first nine contests, making it one of the toughest season-opening schedules. However, Dawn Staley believes that the timeline of games complements' students' academic endeavors, giving them ample time to focus on just studies and basketball.

"There shouldn't be anything competing for their time but books," Staley said on Wednesday. "So, it's pretty easy when it's that clear-cut. There's books and basketball coz our schedule lends itself to only to be able to concentrate on that." (1:10)

The Gamecocks will get back on the road for Sunday's game against the TCU Horned Frogs in Fort Worth, Texas. Dawn Staley's squad then returns home for a three-game stretch, which will be their longest at Colonial Life Arena yet.