"Some people told her she's making the worst decision of her life": Dawn Staley explains how Maddy McDaniel is turning the tables at South Carolina

Dawn Staley is glad Maddy McDaniel chose to play for the No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks. The coach praised the freshman guard after she helped the Gamecocks beat the No. 8 Duke Blue Devils 81-70 in the SEC/ACC Challenge on Thursday night.

South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team against the Duke Blue Devils in the first half of their NCAA basketball game at Colonial Life Arena. Photo: Imagn

Staley talked about McDaniel's decision to join the defending NCAA champions and how she is proud of her for proving the critics wrong with her strong play to start the season.

"She could have gone to any school. Duke was one of her schools. Georgia was one of her schools. She chose to come here. When you choose to come here knowing that we have Pao (Te-Hina Paopao) and Raven (Johnson), that could be intimidating," Staley said.

"Some people told her she’s making the worst decision of her life and we won’t play her until her junior year. I’m happy because she’s proven them wrong. A player like Maddie, she’s always going to be successful with anything that she does."

Maddy McDaniel, Chloe Kitts lead South Carolina past Duke in top-10 showdown

Maddy McDaniel provided much-needed offense off the bench for South Carolina, scoring seven points in the win over Duke. She shot 3-of-5 from the field and 1-of-2 from the free-throw line. She also showcased her defensive prowess, recording three steals in 16 minutes of action.

Maddy McDaniel (#1) of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against Taina Mair (#22) of the Duke Blue Devils during the fourth quarter of their NCAA game at Colonial Life Arena. Photo: Getty

McDaniel has been a vital contributor for the Gamecocks, averaging 5.3 points and 3.1 assists through seven games. She has become one of Staley’s trusted reserves, averaging 17.4 minutes per game.

Three players scored in double figures for South Carolina, which improved to 8-1 with the victory. Chloe Kitts starred for the Gamecocks, scoring a game-high 21 points. She shot 9-for-14 from the floor and made all three of her free-throw attempts.

Kitts also grabbed 11 rebounds to post her third double-double of the season. Sania Feagin and Paopao added 11 points apiece for South Carolina, which remained unbeaten at home.

The Gamecocks have won their first three games at Colonial Life Arena this season, with their last home loss coming against the N.C. State Wolfpack four years ago.