South Carolina women's basketball: Three things we learned from the exhibition game
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We got our first look at the 2024-25 Gamecocks on Tuesday night against Memphis. What did we learn from the 106-63 exhibition win?
1. Joyce Edwards is the real deal
Somehow as the season approached Edwards became an afterthought. She snatched the spotlight back Tuesday night. Sure, it was only an exhibition, but there is no such thing as a weak 19 points and 12 rebounds (in only 18 minutes!), and Memphis is better than the typical exhibition opponent.
If anything, Edwards looked better than her numbers. She showed the same rebounding prowess and touch around the rim that made her the national player of the year. There were some misfires on passes that will be assists as the team gets more experience playing together. And because of foul trouble with other players, South Carolina never really got to move Edwards around to different positions.
2. The defense isn’t in regular season form yet
The numbers were not terrible. Memphis only shot 35% overall and 39% from three. But the Tigers put up 63 points and attempted 21 free throws. South Carolina allowed less than 57 points last season. More concerning is the ease with which Memphis got open looks.
“They know where they want their shots to come from,” Dawn Staley said. “We probably just out-talented them.”
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Although Staley said on Monday that South Carolina would gameplan for Memphis as though it were a normal game, she confirmed at SEC media day on Wednesday that the gameplan was “pretty vanilla.”
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That could have made a difference, and South Carolina had better hope it did. The schedule gets tough in a hurry so the Gamecocks can’t ease into the season.
3. South Carolina needs Ashlyn Watkins
Outside of Edwards and Chloe Kitts (who can’t play the post position), South Carolina got uneven production from its frontcourt. The leading shot-blocker was guard Tessa Johnson, with two.
There was a lot to like about the flashes shown by Sania Feagin, Maryam Dauda, and Adhel Tac, but there was also a lot to be desired. The Gamecocks need Ashlyn Watkins, especially her defense and rim protection.
South Carolina may not miss her against Michigan on November 4, or even against NC State on November 10. But by the time South Carolina visits UCLA and 6-7 Lauren Betts on November 24, if Watkins isn’t patrolling the paint, the Gamecocks will be in trouble.
