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The 2024 NCAA champions South Carolina Gamecocks will go into the 2024-25 season as the favorites to win the title once again. Coach Dawn Staley has retained most of her roster, with only Kamilla Cardoso leaving for the WNBA.
MiLaysia Fulwiley, Raven Johnson, Te-Hina Paopao and Tessa Johnson will look to lead the Gamecocks to another victorious season. On that note, here are a few predictions about the Gamecocks for the upcoming season.
Five bold predictions for South Carolina Gamecocks this season
#1 An undefeated season seems difficult
Kamilla Cardoso's loss is predicted to impact South Carolina immensely, as the six-foot-seven center played a huge role in rim protection. Although the return of Sakima Walker and Adhel Tac could offset the loss, it's unlikely for the Gamecocks to post back-to-back wins.
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#2 South Carolina to win the SEC tournament championship
While losses in the regular season are predictable, the postseason should be a breeze for Dawn Staley's team.
The roster has enough championship-winning talent to push through the last few months of the season. However, injuries to key players could derail the trip to a title.
#3 Sakima Walker will not be the starter
Sakima Walker is the only center in the South Carolina roster, but Dawn Staley won't push her into the starting five. In three years, Walker has only started three games and averaged 9.3 minutes, with 3.0 points and 1.9 rebounds.
The six-foot-five center will continue in her bench role, assisting players like Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins.
#4 Joyce Edwards to win Freshman of the Year
Incoming freshman Joyce Edwards has enjoyed an impressive summer, as she led Team USA to a win in the 2024 Women's Nike Hoop Summit. She finished with the highest points (25) and rebounds (9).
The South Carolina native was named the 2024 Gatorade National Girls’ Basketball Player of the Year. She capped her final high school season averaging 31.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 4.5 steals, 4.0 assists and 3.3 blocks and led Camden to a Class AAA State Championship.
Joyce Edwards is the No. 2 recruit in the 2024 class, and her impact will be immense on the team, possibly leading to a Freshman of the Year award.
#5 MiLaysia Fulwiley to win College Player of the Year
MiLaysia Fulwiley played an average of 18.4 minutes in her freshman season and finished with 11.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists. She has had a busy summer, training with Kelsey Plum in her Dawg Class basketball camp.
The sophomore biggest competition would be USC's JuJu Watkins, but she could gain an edge by leading South Carolina to a championship.
What are your predictions for South Carolina in the upcoming season? Let's know in the comments section below:
Also read: 3 SEC games that could give Dawn Staley's South Carolina a hard time in 2024-25 season
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