The defending undefeated national champions are back in the lab. 

South Carolina women’s basketball had its first official week of practice last week as the team prepares to go on a repeat tour, starting Nov 4 with a game against Michigan in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

“They want to win another one. They want to go undefeated,” head coach Dawn Staley said. “When you get a taste of it, you really want to follow up. And how realistic it was last year? I don't know. How realistic it is this year? Still in the same spot, I don't know.” 

Consistency is key in going back-to-back in college basketball, and the Gamecocks have a lot of consistency returning in 2024-25. The team lost just two players from last season’s squad. 

The biggest loss, no doubt, was starting center Kamilla Cardoso, who was selected third overall by the Chicago Sky in the WNBA draft. Cardoso was a focal point last season, making plays on offense and defense. Without the 6-foot-7 Cardoso, going wire-to-wire unbeaten will be a tall task. 

“It's hard. I mean, we've had go to post players for the past 10 years, and I don't necessarily think we have that right now,” Staley said. “We got some younger players that have some potential to be, but they haven't had enough experience in practice or in game to really deem them that. We don't want to put that on them. I think collectively we got incredible talent. So for right now, there's just going to have to be a collective effort.”

South Carolina added three new players to the roster for the upcoming season, including two highly-ranked freshmen in former Camden star Joyce Edwards and Maddy McDaniel from Maryland. 

Former Arkansas Razorback Maryam Dauda joined the team for her junior season after averaging 10 points, six rebounds and two blocks last season. 

“They fit in so well. They're great character individuals,” Staley said. “To see Maryam, the big smile on her face. We call Maddy mouse because she’s so quiet. … Seems like Joyce has been a part of our program for a long time because she's a South Carolinian.” 

There was one notable absence from the team’s first practice. Junior Ashlyn Watkins is still on suspension after being charged with first-degree assault and battery and kidnapping following an incident at the 650 Lincoln student living center. 

"Status is still the same," Staley said. "Nothing's moved yet, and we are not gonna move until her situation settles down a little bit. And that's out of her control and out of our control."

At the first practice, Staley discussed several things that stood out, including the need for someone to step up and take more of a leadership role. She floated a few names around but said it also may have to be done by committee. 

“I don't think anybody really wants to step into that role, but it's going to come from a lot of different places. Feagin is doing a lot of talking. Breezy has got to step up into that role a little bit,” Staley said. “I think they'll take turns in voicing what needs to be said out there on the court.” 

The committee approach really defined the Gamecocks last season. No one player really carried the bulk of the load. Instead, the team played balanced on both ends of the court. Nine players saw significant action in most games last season, and they all found ways to contribute to success. 

Sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley made a name for herself last season with her flashy play style and highlight reel film. She emerged as one of the top scorers on the team last season and showed she has a bright future in the game. 

“She has to grow. She has to bring something different to it, and she has from a maturity standpoint,” Staley said. “She's a generational talent. We know that. There's no doubt that there are things that she does that no other female can do.” 

Raven Johnson is back for her junior season after being the leading voice for the team’s “revenge tour” last season. She led the Gamecocks in assists and steals last year and will continue to be a leader on the floor. 

“What you see her doing in games is what you see her do in practice,” Staley said. “She's very consistent with that, very, very competitive.” 

With the season quickly approaching, the team is still working to get better. Staleey said she wants to see the team up their effort and get better before the season begins. 

“ I want us to play better. I want us to make better decisions. I want us to get mad that they're getting beat. Like, get mad at the Highlighters and take that up to another level,” Staley said. “We're not going to change the way the highlighters are playing. It will help us. So, we have to adjust to them. We have to figure out how we can consistently beat them. We beat them every so often, but not enough to make us feel real good about what we're doing.”

Staley added she won’t be able to get a feel for how her team stacks up against other schools around the country until they are on the court playing a different opponent. 

South Carolina will have two exhibition contests before traveling to Vegas to play Michigan. The team will travel to Memphis on Oct. 15 before hosting Clayton State at home on Oct. 28.