South Carolina women's basketball: National championship loss shaped the Gamecocks' offseason

South Carolina’s championship game loss to UConn provided the Gamecocks with motivation this summer to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Raven Johnson returned for her redshirt senior season in part because she wants to leave on top. She feels rejuvenated by the reunion with her high school teammate and best friend, Ta’Niya Latson, and spent the offseason trying to become a better offensive threat. 

The goal of another national championship came up every day, according to Johnson. From individual workouts to team practices to Final Four Fridays, they did everything intending to get to Phoenix and win the program’s fourth national championship.

“It’s very important,” Johnson said. “That’s the goal, to get back to the national championship, and it’s very hard to get back there. So that’s what we’re doing in the summer and the preseason. This preseason was very hard for us. The stuff we did is gonna prepare us for March Madness.”

South Carolina has to replace basically half its rotation from last season, but it has plenty of experience to do so. There is also renewed focus from a group whose focus could wander at times. Losing, especially for a team that hasn’t lost much, is a powerful motivator.

“Everybody, all the vets, they’re leading,” Johnson said. “Tessa (Johnson), Chloe (Kitts), Ta’Niya, Madina (Okot), she’s talking. It’s great to see when we’re in practice, and I think we’re gelling really good right now.”

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Because so many Gamecocks were away from the team to play internationally, there was less focus on team concepts over the summer. Instead, more time than usual was spent on individual player development. 

It could end up being a blessing in disguise. Asked which players made the biggest strides over the summer, Johnson answered, “Everybody.”

Dawn Staley agreed. Asked the same question, she gave the same answer.

“Everybody,” she said. “It’s a long list. It really is a long list. Joyce is better, shooting the ball better. Everybody. Maryam is better. Adhel’s improving. Like everybody, Tessa, everybody’s improved. We usually see improvement from a lot of players, and it’s just true to form for the returners.”

South Carolina’s focus now turns to installing its offensive and defensive concepts. The Gamecocks get two major tests before the season begins on November 3. They host Anderson for an exhibition on October 24 and then travel to Atlanta on October 30 for an exhibition on October 30.

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