Everything Dawn Staley said following win over Queens

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley spoke to the media following a 121-49 victory over Queens University of Charlotte.

Here is everything she had to say.

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Got the full team back together in 10. How much does Maddy McDaniel add to that rotation now that you can sub in five-on-five?

“I mean, it’s imperative that we have all 10. It was really good to get Maddy back, especially for a few practices; we’re just going to acclimate her back into the swing of things. I thought she did great. But, it’s needed. It’s needed for our rotations, it’s needed for us to practice, it’s needed just for some of our younger players to stay in the positions that they need to be able to be effective.”

Just looking at the body of work that you guys put together over the last six games, what are you most confident about as you head to Las Vegas next week?

I mean, we can score. I like the fact that we can score. We’ve scored a lot of different ways, just from inside, outside. I like some of the things that we’re doing defensively, just having multiple efforts in getting loose balls and 50/50 balls, and just being a lot more aggressive and trusting of their teammates that are playing behind the ball. I think Madina (Okot) is coming along. She’s making great progress on both sides of the basketball, so looking forward to another test.”

Adhel Tac’s First career double-double today. What did you see from her today as a milestone from her?

“Adhel understands everything that’s happening. Every single thing. She plays like a point guard. When you really listen to her, she’s telling everybody where they need to be. She has really great questions when she’s on the bench. I’m just happy that basketball finally has repaid her for the work that she’s put in. You don’t often get rewarded for the work that you put in. I’m happy for her. She made some moves out there that we know she can start connecting those moves together, I mean, she’s always been one that can rebound and block shots, but her rebounding outside of the area, power dribbling and making a basket. It’s great to see from her, and she was happy out there flying around.

Going back to defense, your team was aggressive early. How important is that sort of aggressiveness going for the ball this upcoming week in Vegas and the rest of the season?

I think it has to be who we are, a mark of who we are, a product of who we are. A team that is fighting Gamecocks. We’ve got to get multiple efforts in that area. We’re talented, but if we see somebody who is talented, like we’ll see in the next few games. Something has to give. I do think that area can be a difference maker of us winning or losing. And I’m glad we’re finally seeing it and it’s coming from people, like a play Ta’Niya [Latson] made on our bench side of the court, dove on the ball, gave multiple efforts, didn’t get tied up, kicked up. It’s those plays like that that really are defining for us and for her and examples of how we need to play every time we step on the floor.”

You mentioned that you guys can score a lot of different ways. Is this different than in years past, having the personnel where you like to run a little bit and you’re letting them go because they’re making the right moves?

“I don’t think we have a choice in letting them go. I think that’s the way they’re most comfortable playing. For the teams that we had previously, we’ve actually wanted to play at this pace, but it’s just not them. So we kind of just allow them to flow and take identity to what they do best, and would I like to play faster with them, yes, of course. Would I like to play slower with this group? No. Until we’re able to catch up to where our half-court sets and we’re running a little bit smoother and we know where people are on the floor and we decide to drive, we decide to inside, we aren’t familiar yet, but we are familiar with this time to get out in transition and share basketball and hopefully see what’s see what’s available to them. Just being aware of where your outlet spots are.”

You said before how it was up to Maddy to be able to come back. What have you seen from her to allow that timeline to end?

“I mean, here’s the thing, Maddy is a great young lady, that’s one. She is of great character. But some of the choices you make have consequences. It was more on Maddy and how she is communicating with me and our staff, and communicating with her teammates. Her teammates are the ones that was her voice, and they had a more powerful voice when it comes to that. Obviously, they like Maddy. They like all their teammates. They want our entire team together, and they voice that.”

This is sort of a big picture question about Joyce Edwards, and you’ve coached a lot of different great players over the years, and you’ve talked about how you have to approach each of them differently. In your approach to how you coach Joyce, is there anyone in the past that you’ve had a similar approach with?

“Probably A’ja [Wilson]’s blending days. And there weren’t a whole lot of them, but I coach Joyce from those moments. Not necessarily in games, more in practice.”

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