South Carolina women's basketball: Final Four notebook
South Carolina’s season came to a disappointing end with a loss to UConn in the title game. Let’s wrap things up with a notebook from Tampa.
Uniforms
Under Armour surprised the Gamecocks with a special uniform modification for the Final Four. Instead of the normal garnet, the Under Armour logos on the “Cocky” alternates were metallic gold.
The change was noticeable during the game because the logos reflected light, and the players were big fans.
“It’s just a championship feel,” Maddy McDaniel. “It wasn’t like anyone told us. We just noticed it.”
South Carolina wore the uniforms for both games in Tampa.
“It’s dope,” Adhel Tac said. “I wish we could keep it permanently.”
After the title game loss, they might get banned as unlucky.
A’Ones
Somewhat ironically, during the Final Four A’ja Wilson had a pop-up event to celebrate her new shoe. Because the shoes are made by Nike and South Carolina is an Under Armour school, the Gamecocks couldn’t attend the event.
But Texas did. And the Longhorns all got brand new A’Ones that they wore during Thursday’s practice.
“You don’t want to minimize the joy of stopping by and seeing our friends at Nike last night and spending time with them, getting to personally meet A’Ja Wilson,” Vic Schaefer said. “How special is that for those kids? And she takes time to visit with them.”
Some of the players seemed to realize it would be awkward to wear the A’Ones Friday night against South Carolina and wore different shoes. But several players, including Madison Booker, still wore the pink A’Ones. Awkward.
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Bonuses
Dawn Staley added some nice bonuses to her already nice salary.
In addition to the $4 million annualized salary, Staley earned $15,000 for winning 11 or more SEC games and $100,000 for winning the SEC regular season and tournament titles
She also earned $250,000 for making the Final Four.
Finally, Staley earned a $15,000 bonus for finishing the season ranked in the Top 25 poll (it’s the same bonus for the AP, Coaches, or both).
Stay on top of all things Gamecocks for just $1 for 7 days—lock in this special offer today!
Lay with the Butter Shoes
Under Armour revealed butter-themed player edition shoes for MiLaysia Fulwiley during the tournament. Fulwiley debuted them in the Sweet 16 against Maryland and wore them for the rest of the tournament.
Fulwiley often gives her shoes to fans after games, but she told me on Sunday that she is keeping this pair.
All-Tournament Team
The Final Four All-Tournament team was Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong, Lauren Betts, and Joyce Edwards. Fudd was named Most Outstanding Player.
My ballot was Azzi Fudd, Joyce Edwards, Sarah Strong, Chloe Kitts, and Jordan Lee. I voted Fudd as MOP.
