South Carolina women's basketball: Preseason mailbag

On Wednesday, I opened the floor to women’s basketball questions on GamecockCentral’s new Women’s Basketball Forum. Here’s a sample of what was discussed.

(Questions and answers have been edited for clarity.)

CockyGirl: What team do you think will be our toughest matchup? Any top teams that you think are overrated?

I think the game at LSU is the toughest one. It’s going to be an incredible atmosphere, and you know MiLaysia Fulwiley and Co. have that game circled.

I don’t know if you meant SEC or nationally for overrated teams, so I’ll do both. SEC: No. 8 Tennessee. I won’t be shocked if the Lady Vols finish in the top four, but I’m not yet convinced Kim Caldwell’s system can beat elite teams.

Nationally: No. 7 Duke. I know Duke almost upset USC in the Elite Eight last season, but in big, close games under Kara Lawson, Duke’s offense always disappears, and they play tight.

Rutledge84: Who will be the most improved player?

I think Maddy McDaniel will see the biggest jump in production. People seem to have forgotten that she was outplaying Raven Johnson in the first half of last season. Then she missed a few games with a concussion and never really got back into the rotation. 

Mouse is going to play major minutes as the backup point guard this year, and, with Chloe Kitts out, I wouldn’t be surprised if Dawn tries to figure out a way to play Mouse and Raven at the same time.

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Cockburn: What’s your prediction percentage for Ashlyn Watkins and Chloe Kitts returning next season (0% to 100%)?

This is really hard, so don’t hold me to this in six months. I’d put Ashlyn at 70% and Chloe at 80%, for basically the same reason.

If Ashlyn wants to play basketball again, she needs to go back to college for her senior year. I wouldn’t be shocked if she decides to move on to the next phase of her life.

Chloe was a projected first-round WNBA draft pick before she got hurt. She’s not going to be healthy enough to make a WNBA roster next season, so she’d be better off staying in college, using her redshirt year, rehabbing, and then proving herself next year (all while getting paid and under the supervision of the same medical staff).

Right now, USC only has six scholarship players for next season. Dawn’s going to be extra motivated to get Ashlyn and Chloe back in the fold.

Gamekem: What 1-2 reserves do you expect to be a spark off the bench?

Maddy McDaniel, definitely. Dawn trusted her enough to put her in for one crucial play against Indiana last season. That speaks volumes.

In two weeks, I may look foolish for this one, but right now I’m going with Agot Makeer. Her defense is legit, and I’m still feeling good after watching her crush it in the three-point contest last night.

Dcamp48: What are our chances with Jerzy Robinson?

I genuinely don’t know. She’s been so private with the process that I’m not sure anyone really knows. However, for the first time in years, Dawn can sell playing time. LSU and UConn can’t.

Rock Hill Cock: Is there a chance that Madina Okot gets another year of eligibility since her first two were in Kenya?

I don’t understand why they count, but apparently, her two years in Kenya count. Of course, if Diego Pavia gets his way, everyone will have 7 years of eligibility.

CaroLuka77: Did Okot’s three-point form look good? Do you think we’ll actually see her stretch the floor this year?

Nice, smooth shot. I don’t know how much that will be part of the offense; it might be situational. When you’re 6-6 and standing outside the three-point line, you’re kind of letting the defense off the hook. But it’s also a way to get a shot-blocker out of the paint.

NEW! Message board for South Carolina Women’s Basketball!