It reminded me a lot of the game at LSU where we took a Final-Four-caliber team's best shot in a hostile environment, but stayed calm and won the game.
2024-2025 WBB Team (2022-present)
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Some thoughts on the Championship Game:
* I think everyone could feel Dawn's emotions. What a coaching job under immense pressure. For Raven this year was about revenge, but for Dawn, it was about redemption. Her team lost last year with the better roster. One of the best rosters ever. 20 years from now, when this thread is 100,000 pages long, we will reminisce about how unbelievably stacked the roster was. Raven, Amihere & Cardoso coming off the bench. Watkins, Feagin & Kitts not even playing in the game. Unfortunately, some players Dawn chose to play let her down. Here was her chance to redeem herself against the same team, that's a lot of weight to carry. The game starts 10-0. "Oh, lord, here we go again." Chloe and Bree were particularly terrible, playing undisciplined defense and looking lost on offense. To start the 2nd half, she went back to the same lineup! That's a gamble, and they both played much better. Both still finished -10 for the game, but they were able to play well enough in the 2nd half to maintain the lead and give fresh bench players their moment to shine. She made the right call. Give Dawn her flowers, she deserves them.
* A lot of discussion on Iowa's message board about why Stuekle played so little in the 2nd half. Not a mystery--she was really bad on the defensive end. Despite what she brought on offense, Iowa was -19 with her on the floor. They were +7 with the backup end, even though she didn't score a point. I thought the key to the game was Stuekle keeping Cardoso out of the paint and she couldn't. Look at Cardoso's position here on this shot.
I realize keeping Cardoso out of the paint is easier said than done, but she had to try better than that. I don't particularly care for Angel Reese, but at least she competed against Cardoso. Stuekle only committed two fouls. She should have been fouling Cardoso a lot more, hoping the officials don't call it. Fouling out was a better option than letting Cardoso get that deep in the paint.
* Because Stuekle's inability to have any success with Cardoso on the defensive end, Bluder went to zone in the 2nd half. Fatigue may have also played a factor. I believe it was cockygirl who said that Iowa had a scout assigned to us all year. He didn't do a great job or Bluder ignored his report, if she thought it was good idea to go zone with Chloe in the game. She played so well against the zone all season and yesterday was no different. When Watkins replaced her, she immediately threw a pass right to Clark. Iowa probably should have waited for AW to enter the game before going zone imo.
* Another good decision by Dawn yesterday was limiting Watkins minutes. She appeared too emotional. That emotion is definitely a strength of hers, but yesterday it hampered her. She needed to play more disciplined.
* The unsung hero was Sania Feagin. With her on the court in 18 minutes, we were +22. Best +/- on the team.
* This was quite literally the perfect season. How fortunate were we to experience it firsthand? Savor it.
* I think everyone could feel Dawn's emotions. What a coaching job under immense pressure. For Raven this year was about revenge, but for Dawn, it was about redemption. Her team lost last year with the better roster. One of the best rosters ever. 20 years from now, when this thread is 100,000 pages long, we will reminisce about how unbelievably stacked the roster was. Raven, Amihere & Cardoso coming off the bench. Watkins, Feagin & Kitts not even playing in the game. Unfortunately, some players Dawn chose to play let her down. Here was her chance to redeem herself against the same team, that's a lot of weight to carry. The game starts 10-0. "Oh, lord, here we go again." Chloe and Bree were particularly terrible, playing undisciplined defense and looking lost on offense. To start the 2nd half, she went back to the same lineup! That's a gamble, and they both played much better. Both still finished -10 for the game, but they were able to play well enough in the 2nd half to maintain the lead and give fresh bench players their moment to shine. She made the right call. Give Dawn her flowers, she deserves them.
* A lot of discussion on Iowa's message board about why Stuekle played so little in the 2nd half. Not a mystery--she was really bad on the defensive end. Despite what she brought on offense, Iowa was -19 with her on the floor. They were +7 with the backup end, even though she didn't score a point. I thought the key to the game was Stuekle keeping Cardoso out of the paint and she couldn't. Look at Cardoso's position here on this shot.
I realize keeping Cardoso out of the paint is easier said than done, but she had to try better than that. I don't particularly care for Angel Reese, but at least she competed against Cardoso. Stuekle only committed two fouls. She should have been fouling Cardoso a lot more, hoping the officials don't call it. Fouling out was a better option than letting Cardoso get that deep in the paint.
* Because Stuekle's inability to have any success with Cardoso on the defensive end, Bluder went to zone in the 2nd half. Fatigue may have also played a factor. I believe it was cockygirl who said that Iowa had a scout assigned to us all year. He didn't do a great job or Bluder ignored his report, if she thought it was good idea to go zone with Chloe in the game. She played so well against the zone all season and yesterday was no different. When Watkins replaced her, she immediately threw a pass right to Clark. Iowa probably should have waited for AW to enter the game before going zone imo.
* Another good decision by Dawn yesterday was limiting Watkins minutes. She appeared too emotional. That emotion is definitely a strength of hers, but yesterday it hampered her. She needed to play more disciplined.
* The unsung hero was Sania Feagin. With her on the court in 18 minutes, we were +22. Best +/- on the team.
* This was quite literally the perfect season. How fortunate were we to experience it firsthand? Savor it.
btw, Robbie Robinson says that Youtube won't let him post either Final Four game. 
I was about to post the samebtw, Robbie Robinson says that Youtube won't let him post either Final Four game.
Does anybody know an alternative? ESPN canceled their international plan last summer, so I don't know of any other option right now
How the freshmen avenged the Freshies at South Carolina
South Carolina was in a difficult spot. Enter freshmen Tessa Johnson and MiLaysia Fulwiley, who combined for 28 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists.
www.espn.com
I can watch the replay on Sling. Imagine it's the same on other streaming services. My hope is Disney will unblock eventually. They might be blocking until after ESPN shows the replay.I was about to post the same
Does anybody know an alternative? ESPN canceled their international plan last summer, so I don't know of any other option right now
South Carolina women's basketball: Two out of three ain't bad
Losing in the Final Four in 2023 hurt, but the Gamecocks have won two of the last three championships to become the nation's dominant program.
Excellent analysis, as always. But even Clark said something like "It's South Carolina - there's only so much you can do." I don't think they were big enough underneath to win this game without lights-out shooting from beyond the 3-point arc. Stuekle probably did all she could do, but really needed another couple of inches of height and an extra 30lbs of weight. That, or a 2nd effective big body to spell her.
Considering everything, that was the most impressive game of the year. Impossible to overstate how tough an environment that was. No one else was going to go in there and win.
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When you posted this yesterday, I was going to post the below image but decided against it because I thought it would be a jinx. I can be superstitious like that. lol
I didn't expect us to get 24 again, but anywhere near that number and I don't think we could lose because we were going to shoot better than last year. We finished with 18 offensive rebounds, which tied us for 6th best ever in a NCAA tournament game.
I thought I was perhaps feeling irrationally confident until I noticed the line changed from -6.5 to -7.5 in the final hours. Obviously, a lot of our people who are not Gamecock fans were feeling confident in a South Carolina victory.
I am willing to bet ESPN has their own post of the game up on You Tube trying to force people to watch that. The war for views on that app is real.btw, Robbie Robinson says that Youtube won't let him post either Final Four game.
“The Revenge Tour is over…now it’s time for the Repeat Tour” - Raven ‘Hollywood/Crockpot’ Johnson
''Over the final 3 quarters, Clark shot just 5-of-20 from the field, including 2-of-9 from 3-point range. Clark finished with 30 points, but at 10-of-28 shooting, South Carolina’s defense won the matchup.''
3 takeaways from South Carolina's national championship win over Iowa capping undefeated season
South Carolina takes down Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes for a national championship, going undefeated in 2023-24.
www.saturdaydownsouth.com
The FINAL TOP-25 POLLS of the 2023-24 women's basketball season
go.gamecockcentral.com
Women’s College Basketball Top 25 Polls (Associated Press Poll and USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll) — GamecockCentral.com
Since 1998, insider and in-depth coverage of South Carolina Gamecocks football, baseball, basketball and recruiting. Home of The Insiders Forum and Fighting Gamecocks Forum.
go.gamecockcentral.com
Well, that might be true, if KY doesn't hire DS away lol
www.sbnation.com
www.sbnation.com
South Carolina’s women’s basketball dynasty under Dawn Staley is just getting started
The Gamecocks’ talent and depth was ultimately too much for Iowa and Caitlin Clark
www.sbnation.com
Dawn Staley should be Kentucky’s next hire as men’s basketball coach
Kentucky should go after the best college basketball coach in the country to lead its men’s team next year.
www.sbnation.com
Deja Kelly has entered the Portal. One of you called this and manifested it to reality.
I would have, had she been terrible during a loss. But we won, and she was good. I’m an emotional ranter…and def bipolar during games. It’s my naych. I can’t help it.
Dawn should have 4 championships right now. Friggin pandemic.
actually a worldwide pandemic, a missed put-back, & one terrible shooting night away from a 5peat
She has the perfect personality to fit right in at LSU. That’s my call as to where she ends up
That is why I wanted a championship for this team so bad. We have been clearly the best program in Women's College Basketball for five years running and until yesterday only had one official championship to show. I wanted them to stamp this perfect season with a championship so Dawn and her program can go down in history where they belong. Now, its no question as to whether South Carolina is the preeminent program. UConn has not won one since 2016. Iowa will probably not be heard from again when it comes to Final Four contention. Kim Mulkey has some rebuilding to do at LSU.
Amari DeBerry, a former five-star recruit, has decided to enter the transfer portal and leave the Huskies program. Talia Goodman first reported the news.
She is 6”6 ? She must have been hurt her entire career? Otherwise, Geno could not develop her? This is a head scratcher
South Carolina women's basketball: "Tournament Tessa" Johnson delivered when the Gamecocks needed her most
Tessa Johnson knew she could help the Gamecocks win a championship, and on the biggest stage, Tournament Tessa delivered.
Recap: What was said during South Carolina's championship celebration at Colonial Life Arena
Recapping what was said during South Carolina women's basketball celebration at Colonial Life Arena on Monday following national title.
City of Columbia set to honor South Carolina with national championship parade
City of Columbia announces plans to hold parade to honor South Carolina women's basketball's latest national championship
Photos: The Champions are Home, Gamecocks welcomed by FAMs at Colonial Life Arena
The 38-0 South Carolina Women's Basketball team was welcomed home to Colonial Life Arena less the 24 hours after they won the program's third National Championship.
'Now it's time for the repeat tour': South Carolina WBB greeted with a hero's welcome in return to Columbia
South Carolina women's basketball returned home on Monday to the delight of thousands of FAMs packing out Colonial Life Arena.
This was a toxic relationship before she even got on campus. Velez and Del Rosario were joined at the hip. Played 3 years together in HS at 2 Basketball academies. Velez was ranked #35 in HoopGurlz. She did not garner the offers one would expect from that ranking. She announced they were a package deal for college.
As I have been told this ended our recruitment of Del Rosario as Staley didn’t believe Velez was good enough to play here and she wasn’t going to be bullied.
Mulkey said sure, you’re great, y’all come on down. I believe she had no intention of playing Velez. Too short and a little slow to be a SEC PG(Where have I heard that before) So basically KM Lied to get Del Rosario.
Will Del Rosario jump? NEVER NEVER take a package deal where one player can’t play
Deberry is that kid. Everyone’s best friend, perfect teammate, very smart young woman. She was always a project but 6’6” and a hometown kid for UConn.
She got to college and realized there was a lot more to life than ball. I don’t mean partying but school, intellectual pursuits, culture. Everything you want your child to discover. Wonderful human who drives Geno nuts
Gotcha. He was not looking for a “Student” athlete. He wanted and athletic student
Well, it looks like click bait, but they would be smart to try to get her. Don’t think she wants it, though.Well, that might be true, if KY doesn't hire DS away lol
South Carolina’s women’s basketball dynasty under Dawn Staley is just getting started
The Gamecocks’ talent and depth was ultimately too much for Iowa and Caitlin Clark
Dawn Staley should be Kentucky’s next hire as men’s basketball coach
Kentucky should go after the best college basketball coach in the country to lead its men’s team next year.
Possibly Five or six. Two put backs and elimination by an inferior team which opened the door for another inferior team to back in. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
Oregon didn’t want no part of Mad Kiki.
Meh. Whatever. I heard Alex Simon on a podcast today say he turned in his final AP vote before the game yesterday. Win or lose, South Carolina was his #1. Mad respect for that guy. pLaYoFfs are kind of dumb to me. At least what they've become. Way too many teams. They are primarily a way to generate revenue and not really about determining a deserving champion (MLB anyone?). Maybe we were fortunate in 2017; maybe weren't fortunate last year. So it goes.
1 of the same 4 coaches wins the tournament every year because they have excellent teams year in and year out. In 1998, Stanford's senior class had a career record of 113-13. As the season came to a close, they lost two of their star players to injury. In the NCAA tournament, they lost to a 16 seed Harvard (led by Sarah Strong's mother); still the only #1 seed to lose to a 16 seed in the women's tournament. Tara VanDerveer didn't feel sorry for herself; she continued to pursue excellence. She produced many more outstanding teams, including the one that **should** have lost to us. So it goes.
1 of the same 4 coaches wins the tournament every year because they have excellent teams year in and year out. In 1998, Stanford's senior class had a career record of 113-13. As the season came to a close, they lost two of their star players to injury. In the NCAA tournament, they lost to a 16 seed Harvard (led by Sarah Strong's mother); still the only #1 seed to lose to a 16 seed in the women's tournament. Tara VanDerveer didn't feel sorry for herself; she continued to pursue excellence. She produced many more outstanding teams, including the one that **should** have lost to us. So it goes.
FGF posters: "oh nos, the chicken curse!"
Dawn Staley: "We are blessed by God."
Winner's mindset vs Loser's mindset
Dawn Staley: "We are blessed by God."
Winner's mindset vs Loser's mindset
VPN + ESPN App use a stateside friends/ family members cable login.I was about to post the same
Does anybody know an alternative? ESPN canceled their international plan last summer, so I don't know of any other option right now
If Beers hits the portal I'd hope we try to get her here.
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