Everything Dawn Staley said previewing South Carolina's upcoming game against Alabama

South Carolina head women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley spoke to the media on Wednesday to preview the team’s upcoming matchup against No. 19 Alabama. Here’s everything she had to say.

On South Carolina’s practices since its win over Texas

“(They’ve been) good. I think they’re in a good place. They’re focused; they work hard. They’re having fun, and we’re getting better. So, that’s a great combination.”

On the importance of South Carolina’s depth during a five-game stretch against ranked opponents

“I mean, we use it to our advantage, obviously, by playing a lot of players. They all deserve to be on the floor; some of them that don’t play probably deserve a little bit more. It helps in the whole longevity of a season.

“This stretch that we’re in right now, it’s tough. I think, during a stretch like this, or a stretch of conference play, it’s about trusting your team. It’s about trusting your habits that you’ve built, and we’ve been able to do that for the most of the season.”

WIN TICKETS: Help introduce No. 13 Oklahoma to the SEC and South Carolina women’s basketball

On what rapper Plies’ presence and attendance at games means to the team

“Plies is a friend – like, he’s been watching us and having a really good time just giving our players nicknames from previous seasons. Sometimes, they (celebrities) just do things on social media – they don’t really actually set out time. Like, he had to either drive or fly… probably spending some time with us, rather than doing something that he probably had to do. I think he’s doing some concerts now, so (he) came in in a pocket of time that he had and went back out.

“It’s cool when celebrities… They got a hard life, too. They know what putting in hard work and being successful looks like and feels like. And, for Plies himself, he’s taken a liking to us. It’s not a bad thing – that means our game is growing and our game is appreciated.”

WIN TICKETS: Kim Mulkey and undefeated LSU are coming to Columbia on Jan. 23

On what makes Staley nervous about Alabama

“I mean, Alabama’s always tough. They’re well coached; they always have great guard play. They can shoot the ball – like, they can shoot. If they’re allowed to make what they’re comfortably taking each game, we’re in trouble. (It’s a) hard place to play, as well, so, for us, it’s just our habits. It’s just packing our habits and, hopefully, guard the three-point line and guard the paint.”

On addressing South Carolina’s turnover issues against Texas

“With the turnovers, we don’t really turn the ball over. We’re a pretty good team that takes care of the basketball. I think we got a little bit overzealous and playing too fast because they were so wide open. They saw the openings, but they didn’t anticipate them closing the space or it was just an errant pass.

“So, it’s something that you address in film, you talk about when it happens here, but you don’t go too crazy on it because I want our team playing comfortable. They recognize when they’re making mistakes, and I don’t count-pound it unless they count-pound their mistakes.

Get the free GamecocksW newsletter: Don’t rely on search engines and social media for your South Carolina women’s basketball info

On the significance of the Unrivaled women’s basketball league

“I believe in people – like, I do. (League founder) Napheesia (Collier) was somebody that I coached and somebody I know and someone who works hard – like, she’s a hard worker. She doesn’t take a play off. So, you can back people who they’re going to do whatever they need to do to make it be successful.

“I think it’s a great time because we’re in a great place where women’s basketball is wanted. We’re in demand. You want more, and more, and more. I think it’s going to be a success, and I would’ve supported it without monetarily supporting it just because I’m a fan and enthusiast for women’s basketball.”

Visit GamecockCentral’s exclusive Gamecocks-only, no-trolls message board!