COLUMBIA — South Carolina began its run to perfection a year ago in the City of Lights. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley stands on the court during the Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off Classic NCAA college basketball exhibition game against Memphis Tuesday, Oct.
15, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill) A season after its Paris opening, the top-ranked Gamecocks begin the defense of their national title in another high-glam, glitzy locale when they take on Michigan in Las Vegas on Monday night. "What do I like about it?" South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said Friday.
Where should she start? First, Staley said big-time games like last year's 100-71 win over 10th-ranked Notre Dame gave a chance for the unknown, talented, but untested Gamecocks to find out what they had. It was also a bonding experience where players, several who had not been out of the country, visited landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum to view the "Mona Lisa." Staley knows this will be a different experience.
There's not so much need for getting to know each other since the bulk of last year's undefeated, national title-winning squad is back. But Staley wants to see them under pressure against a top-level opponent like the Wolverines of the Big Ten Conference, who've received six NCAA Tournament berths the past seven seasons. "Yeah, it's good to do that," Staley said.
Her Gamecocks appear ready for the season to start. Sophomore MiLaysia Fulwiley was an unpolished player when she pl.
