Recap: What South Carolina women's basketball said on earning NCAA Tournament bid
After being named the No.1 seed in the Women’s NCAA Tournament South Carolina coach Dawn Staley and guard Bree Hall met with the media.
Below are some takeaways from what each had to say, as well as links to watch each interview.
The Gamecocks will play the winner of the 16-seed play-in game between Sacred Heart/Presbyterian on Friday night at Colonial Life Arena.
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Dawn Staley
– Despite being the No.1 overall seed again in the NCAA Tournament, and 32-0, Staley says this year just feels different. Doesn’t feel like there’s as much pressure on them compared to a year ago. Said with a smile she doesn’t know if that’s a good or bad thing.
– With the team being as deep with talent as it is, naturally, players who are coming off the bench would like to be playing more. But Staley praised them for being team-first players who can take constructive criticism. Adds that regardless of what level you play on there’s going to be reserves. Stay in character because if you can come off the bench and make an impact now, WNBA coaches see that too.
– Feels different this year because they’re so young. Each day they go to work and try to get better. Felt last year was like Groundhogs Day — just get through the regular season and get to the Final Four because that group knew what they had to do in order to get to that point. This year’s team just starts over every day.
Bree Hall
– How can last year help this year’s team? Just focusing on winning. Not stats, just knowing they they have to win to advance one game at a time.
– The mentality doesn’t change from last year. Currently being 32-0, they know they have to finish undefeated in order to win a national championship. That’s the goal at this point for them as they begin this run in March.
– Credits the physicality of the SEC for being able to prepare them for the NCAA Tournament. Doesn’t expect them to see anything they haven’t already seen.
