2024-2025 WBB Team (2022-present)

[winloseortie]

With Barker going to A&M it obviously strengthens them. They will have a sturdy and deep frontline but Barker appears to be the only real scoring threat of the post players. Nixon returns and they bring in Mya Petticord, a top 100 pg. #81 overall.

I expect that Barker is the first domino to fall with others coming in soon. Right now they are not a tourney team. They lost their 3 top scorers, all guards. Style of play is in for a dramatic overhaul. Will be tougher and better than last year.

BUT I HAVE BURIED THE LEAD

UT has a transfer portal addition..... Jasmine Franklin from Missouri St. She is a 6’1” power forward. Averaged 11&10 and was the DPOY in the MVC. She should start at PF and infuse the lineup with defense, rebounds and toughness.

Harper knows the mid majors and continues to be a whiz in the portal. This really helps UT. Clear #2 in conference and IMO a challenger for FF.

Good news is I think this will eliminate them from the Rivers sweepstakes

 

[winloseortie]

Also Iowa St got a transfer of note, 6’6” Stephanie Soares. She was the 2X NPOY in NAIA. Not sure how her talent translates to an NCAA top 10 team???? But ISU returns all it’s starters and the only ingredient missing was a true post player

NAIA player of year Soares set to transfer to ISU

Center Stephanie Soares, who averaged 20.5 points, 12.2 rebounds and 3.7 blocks this season for The Master's University, an NAIA program from Santa Clarita, California, is transferring to Iowa State women's basketball program.

www.espn.com

 

[Cockburn]

Because it's never too early to discuss. Usual suspects plus Texas are the initial projected 1 seeds.

Women's Bracketology: First look at 2026 has familiar teams on top line

South Carolina, UConn, UCLA and Texas are the No. 1 seeds in our first projection of the 2026 bracket.

www.espn.com

 

[Gamecock Lincoln]

Because it's never too early to discuss. Usual suspects plus Texas are the initial projected 1 seeds.

Women's Bracketology: First look at 2026 has familiar teams on top line

South Carolina, UConn, UCLA and Texas are the No. 1 seeds in our first projection of the 2026 bracket.

www.espn.com

Some fans will actually get upset with where their teams are/aren't. It's definitely too early but something to talk about.

 

[winloseortie]

Just at first glance SDakota lost their coach and the starting five, don’t see them making the tournament.

Also 9 teams from the SEC???? Miss st.? Alabama? UGA? Really?

 

[Cockburn]

Some fans will actually get upset with where their teams are/aren't. It's definitely too early but something to talk about.

Over on Lady VolNation, UcheaT fans are already projecting/expecting final 4/national championship based on their offseason roster moves/additions.

 

[Gamecock Lincoln]

Over on Lady VolNation, UcheaT fans are already projecting/expecting final 4/national championship based on their offseason roster moves/additions.

They have picked up some nice pieces but ...Bless their hearts

 

[CCUIrmo]

They have picked up some nice pieces but ...Bless their hearts

The real question is, will Rickea Jackson be an addition to the team as far as helping or a subtraction as far as causing trouble? I dont fully know why she left Miss St. but she said it was a bad situation she had to get out of. However, once she left, Miss St played ALOT better as a team. Maybe the team didnt like her or her style and it hurt the team. If she goes in like that at Tenn then it will for sure hurt them. If she is a team player, they will be good, real good. If she is a "me" first player, they will be pretty good but will stumble like this past year and not live to potential.

 

[myrtlegamecock44]

I don’t expect UT to be amazing offensively. They still have a slow 6’6 post who does not have one single back to the basket move. Their offense is still around & wait for horston to drive & jack up a funky looking floater that sometimes will go in

 

[Gamecock Lincoln]

The real question is, will Rickea Jackson be an addition to the team as far as helping or a subtraction as far as causing trouble? I dont fully know why she left Miss St. but she said it was a bad situation she had to get out of. However, once she left, Miss St played ALOT better as a team. Maybe the team didnt like her or her style and it hurt the team. If she goes in like that at Tenn then it will for sure hurt them. If she is a team player, they will be good, real good. If she is a "me" first player, they will be pretty good but will stumble like this past year and not live to potential.

State did play alot better after she left. There was some bad chemistry between her and a few players. She has all the potential in the world. How will she can mesh with the other players is the question.

 

[winloseortie]

Over on Lady VolNation, UcheaT fans are already projecting/expecting final 4/national championship based on their offseason roster moves/additions.

I don’t see how they finish lower than 2nd in SEC. The roster is very talented. They have more size up and down the roster than anybody in the country. That size does not extend to having a backup for Key.

They have elite 8 talent, I wouldn’t be surprised if they do make the final four. The question as always with transfers is can all the talent integrate and mesh.

I don’t get the labeling of Jackson as the problem child. She stayed after Vic left, she could have bailed before the season after Nikki resigned but didn’t. Her mom went very public with the fact that Rickea was suffering a great deal of stress.

The locker room got taken over by THREE HAYES sisters who shall we say have a history.

 

[Gamekem]

So with about 10 days left before the portal is closed, I guess our roster is mostly set with a few wild cards still in the mix. Of my knowledge we don't have any new targets so that leaves about 3 players lefts that can round out our roster.

Saniya Rivers- probably the most unlikely but would be huge to get back as it pertains to the future of the program.

Aijha Blackwell- we're in her top 3 finalist with Baylor and Ole Miss, she's a wing that can shoot at all levels and can rebound with the best of them. She has two more years of eligibility and could really bring us up a level.

Dyaisha Fair- Of the 3 she's probably the most likely to come and that even after we brought in Kierra Fletcher. She's a dynamic player and fuard that can really score, I believe she was top 10 in the nation last season. She's not afraid of the opponent or big games, especially considering that she probably best games against us individually in the Bahamas. A tournament in which we played both Oregon and UConn, so her standing out amongst those players is saying something.

I realistically can see us only getting 1 or none of these players. The new players from the portal or an improved Rivers could really take some of the pressure off Boston and can make this team more of a nightmare for our opponents.

 

[winloseortie]

LSU Picks up 3
LaDhazia Williams from Mizzou
Esmery Martinez from WVU 6’2” 12ppg
Jasmine Carson 5’10” G WVU Injured most of the season averaged 5 ppg in 20-21

 

[Gamecock Lincoln]

So with about 10 days left before the portal is closed, I guess our roster is mostly set with a few wild cards still in the mix. Of my knowledge we don't have any new targets so that leaves about 3 players lefts that can round out our roster.

Saniya Rivers- probably the most unlikely but would be huge to get back as it pertains to the future of the program.

Aijha Blackwell- we're in her top 3 finalist with Baylor and Ole Miss, she's a wing that can shoot at all levels and can rebound with the best of them. She has two more years of eligibility and could really bring us up a level.

Dyaisha Fair- Of the 3 she's probably the most likely to come and that even after we brought in Kierra Fletcher. She's a dynamic player and fuard that can really score, I believe she was top 10 in the nation last season. She's not afraid of the opponent or big games, especially considering that she probably best games against us individually in the Bahamas. A tournament in which we played both Oregon and UConn, so her standing out amongst those players is saying something.

I realistically can see us only getting 1 or none of these players. The new players from the portal or an improved Rivers could really take some of the pressure off Boston and can make this team more of a nightmare for our opponents.

The portal is closed May1 for players to be entered without sitting out a year. There is no deadline for the portal players to join a team that I know of. Except of course in time for classes. I'm sure they would want to come in as soon as possible for conditioning and working with their new team. Keep at eye on Syracuse for Fair, Two of her teammates from Buffalo transfered there. Not getting the vibe that Blackwell will come here. Baylor would be my pick today. She's currently on a visit there. She's still going to visit us, I think. Angel Reese is still available too. I don't think we are involved but that could change. The only thing we'll know by May 1 is if we maintain our current roster. I don't think we'll have anyone else enter but you never know. Rivers could look around and decide the siituation is not that bad here. As long as Dawn has an open spot and still wants her, she could rejoin. Honestly, I think that ship has sailed.

 

[winloseortie]

It appears Angel Reese has committed to LSU. No official statement but all the signs are there. With an outstanding Juco guard from Australia,
Last Tear Poa, yes that is her name. Also in the portal LaDhazia Williams6’4” and Esmery Martinez 6’2” from WVU. They will join returning all SEC Alexis Morris.
That will give them a starting 5 that all averaged in double figures this season. They are a top 10-15 team with one spot left on the roster

 

[KingWard]

It appears Angel Reese has committed to LSU. No official statement but all the signs are there. With an outstanding Juco guard from Australia,
Last Tear Poa, yes that is her name. Also in the portal LaDhazia Williams6’4” and Esmery Martinez 6’2” from WVU. They will join returning all SEC Alexis Morris.
That will give them a starting 5 that all averaged in double figures this season. They are a top 10-15 team with one spot left on the roster

I'll risk this. Should I be nervous about all this upward mobility I keep reading about - specifically Tennessee and LSU?

 

[winloseortie]

I'll risk this. Should I be nervous about all this upward mobility I keep reading about - specifically Tennessee and LSU?

Yes and no

I think UT has moved their talent to a top 5-10 level. Gamecocks, Stanford and UCONN I believe are FF bound. Depending on how they jell and who they draw UT could crash the FF.

They don’t have Aliyah Boston!!!! And after Key they have no post depth. They have length everywhere and are 9 deep. If they have a great night and we have a crappy night they could beat us. The game is there this season.

Harper has quite frankly done a poor job recruiting HS talent. Especially for being at a premiere program. She has however knocked it out of the park in the portal, but you can’t really live in the portal

LSU lost at least 6 seniors from this year’s team. Alexis Morris is the only one of note returning.
They signed one top notch HSer. Their lineup will be 3 fifth year graduating Srs. (2 from the transfer portal) a JUCO And another Jr transfer.
Mulkey in the same spot at the end of the season. Needing at least 3 significant transfers to stay afloat. If she whiffs again in the recruiting class....you just can’t go every year to the portal to replace 3-4 starters.
I think LSU is a clear #3 in the SEC with Reese, again not finalized. Probably top 15ish. We play them here and I don’t think they have enough to get over the hump against us. They are REALLY going to miss PG Pointer

 

[KingWard]

Yes and no

I think UT has moved their talent to a top 5-10 level. Gamecocks, Stanford and UCONN I believe are FF bound. Depending on how they jell and who they draw UT could crash the FF.

They don’t have Aliyah Boston!!!! And after Key they have no post depth. They have length everywhere and are 9 deep. If they have a great night and we have a crappy night they could beat us. The game is there this season.

Harper has quite frankly done a poor job recruiting HS talent. Especially for being at a premiere program. She has however knocked it out of the park in the portal, but you can’t really live in the portal

LSU lost at least 6 seniors from this year’s team. Alexis Morris is the only one of note returning.
They signed one top notch HSer. Their lineup will be 3 fifth year graduating Srs. (2 from the transfer portal) a JUCO And another Jr transfer.
Mulkey in the same spot at the end of the season. Needing at least 3 significant transfers to stay afloat. If she whiffs again in the recruiting class....you just can’t go every year to the portal to replace 3-4 starters.
I think LSU is a clear #3 in the SEC with Reese, again not finalized. Probably top 15ish. We play them here and I don’t think they have enough to get over the hump against us. They are REALLY going to miss PG Pointer

I hate the thought of that girl resurrecting UT - or the thought of UT being resurrected in anything. She's intense, though.

 

[Prestonite]

I hate the thought of that girl resurrecting UT - or the thought of UT being resurrected in anything. She's intense, though.

The portal is good for a key piece (or two) but not for building a team. Dawn has built it the right way. Portal usually has a bunch of individuals who are self absorbed and it is tough to get a group of them to play as a team.

 

[KingWard]

The portal is good for a key piece (or two) but not for building a team. Dawn has built it the right way. Portal usually has a bunch of individuals who are self absorbed and it is tough to get a group of them to play as a team.

I'm always wary of poisonous snakes that show signs of life.

 

[myrtlegamecock44]

Umm did we lose our director of bb ops? CJ? There is a tweet with her at a recruiting event with all florida gear…. @Chris Wellbaum

 

[Gamecock Lincoln]

Umm did we lose our director of bb ops? CJ? There is a tweet with her at a recruiting event with all florida gear…. @Chris Wellbaum

Appears so. What a way to find out.

 

[winloseortie]

Appears so. What a way to find out.

Curious..... Cynthia was in DS’s first recruiting class at Temple and after playing 3 years overseas she came back to Temple as a GA and then followed her here. 4 years playing for Dawn and 15 years working for her.
She is still listed on Gamecock website and not listed on UF’s site WBB Page

 

[winloseortie]

Umm did we lose our director of bb ops? CJ? There is a tweet with her at a recruiting event with all florida gear…. @Chris Wellbaum

Could you link the tweet, please.

 

[DarkCock]

I'll risk this. Should I be nervous about all this upward mobility I keep reading about - specifically Tennessee and LSU?

No. Geno's recruiting at a very high level. Don't see UT or LSU challenging your boy anytime in the near future.

 

[KingWard]

No. Geno's recruiting at a very high level. Don't see UT or LSU challenging your boy anytime in the near future.

My boy is 52 years old and works as an industrial mechanic.

 

[myrtlegamecock44]

Could you link the tweet, please.

 

[myrtlegamecock44]

!

 

[Whiterockcock69]

!

I saw that picture and wondered the same. I don’t think that is her actually.

 

[winloseortie]

!

Thanks

 

[Gamecock Lincoln]

I saw that picture and wondered the same. I don’t think that is her actually.

It is

 

[myrtlegamecock44]

I saw that picture and wondered the same. I don’t think that is her actually.

Cj is tagged in it

 

[Slickchick22]

Cj is tagged in it

It is her. Don’t see why Dawn would tweet it. Shes been Dawn’s right hand woman for a long time. As Dawn always says though, she’ll just pivot.

 

[atl-cock]

Also Iowa St got a transfer of note, 6’6” Stephanie Soares. She was the 2X NPOY in NAIA. Not sure how her talent translates to an NCAA top 10 team???? But ISU returns all it’s starters and the only ingredient missing was a true post player

NAIA player of year Soares set to transfer to ISU

Center Stephanie Soares, who averaged 20.5 points, 12.2 rebounds and 3.7 blocks this season for The Master's University, an NAIA program from Santa Clarita, California, is transferring to Iowa State women's basketball program.

www.espn.com

Uh, I would say she's transferring specifically to the school....

 

[TN-Gamecock]

How many high school recruits can we sign for next year?

Fulwiley, Rosario, Stack are must gets....will we sign 3, 4?

PG, C & big PF would be nice....

 

[Gamecock Lincoln]

It is her. Don’t see why Dawn would tweet it. Shes been Dawn’s right hand woman for a long time. As Dawn always says though, she’ll just pivot.

That's not Dawn and she didn't tweet it.

 

[winloseortie]

How many high school recruits can we sign for next year?

Fulwiley, Rosario, Stack are must gets....will we sign 3, 4?

PG, C & big PF would be nice....

Booker, is also a must get in my dreams


If Rivers does leave we will have NINE SCHOLARSHIPS to give. I imagine we will sign 4-5 HS players. I can also envision Amihere coming back like Saxton did. Maybe a couple of players from the portal, probably grad transfers.
Lot of work to be done

Traditionally DS has had 2-3 open slots on the roster

South Carolina Women's Basketball Recruiting - WBB Blog

Recruiting summary for South Carolina women's basketball, including a scholarship chart (projecting open spots for future classes), offers, commits, targets

wbbblog.com

 

[Chris Wellbaum]

Umm did we lose our director of bb ops? CJ? There is a tweet with her at a recruiting event with all florida gear…. @Chris Wellbaum

I think it was a joke, but it certainly gave me a jolt when I saw it. Coach yo deleted the tweet.

 

[Gamekem]

 

[Gamecock Lincoln]

That would be a nice addition for us. I'm think she's a Gamecock