Dawn Staley reveals disappointments in her team from Coppin State win

Despite their biggest margin of the season so far, Dawn Staley didn’t like how No. 1 South Carolina looked in their 32-point win on Thursday.

After winning 92-60 over Coppin State, Staley was asked what she had learned last night about the Gamecocks. Frankly, she said that she had noted her team being undisciplined to this point in how they have played.

“Yeah, every game we play, we learn something,” Staley said postgame.

“I mean, I learned that, at times, we’re not very disciplined. I’m used to us being a lot more disciplined than we’re playing with in longer stretches,” said Staley. “Then, when we get up by a big lead, I’d rather us not try to do things to please the crowd. It’s cool if you connect with it. It doesn’t look good if you don’t.”

South Carolina, in their first game against a mid-major this season, looked to have a pretty good night. They scored a season-high of 92, with efficient scoring outings from MiLaysia Fulwiley (23 points) and Chloe Kitts (19-point double-double), as they shot 51.5% overall and 45.8% from three. They also nearly doubled up the Eagles in rebounding with 51 while tripling them in defensive stats with nine steals and blocks combined.

Still, Staley had a point to get across to her team, especially those on it that can eventually go pro. She wants them to understand that it’s not about the individual play as much as it is everyone playing their role as part of a team effort.

“Just trying to stress to our players too, especially the ones that are WNBA-eligible? It’s not a good look if you’re trying to increase your stock, you know, to raise your stock when it comes to how, you know, GMs and coaches view you,” said Staley. “Like, it really is important to play the right way. It’s really important not to take chances. It’s really important to play disciplined basketball. It’s really important that you don’t press the score. They’re not looking for you to come in the league and score. They’re not. They’re not. They’re not looking for you to come in and probably start. So, you’ve got to be under-the-radar. You’ve got to blend in. You’ve got to hit open shots. You’ve got to make the right decision. You’ve got to get out of the way of undisciplined basketball.”

South Carolina is still currently on a 41-game winning streak after last night’s victory. Staley just hopes that they start winning in a better fashion in what she’s wanting, including their next game on Sunday afternoon.