Where South Carolina women's basketball can improve with two games left until SEC play
Ahead of conference play, here are three things that the Gamecocks can clean up in the final two games of 2024.
Consistency, playing more complete games
South Carolina came out slow in the first quarter for the first three games. Against East Carolina on Nov. 17, it looked as though the Gamecocks outgrew their bad habit of a rusty start but against Clemson and UCLA, the problem returned.
Half-court offense for South Carolina
For Staley, a lot of the season has been figuring out lineups. She has a bevy of skilled guards and post players who bring different skills and height to the table. Playing around with different groups of five has resulted in spurts of disjointed half-court offense. The Gamecocks have been strong in transition but not as successful when setting up plays. That said, USF was a great look of what happens when South Carolina has productive ball movement around the key and inside the paint.
3-point shooting for South Carolina
Through 11 games last season, the Gamecocks had made 81 3-pointers and were shooting 51.5% from behind the 3-point line. Through 11 games this season, they are shooting 37% and have made 69 3-pointers. The games last season aren't exactly the same as this season, and certain defenses impact how many and how well South Carolina shoots but overall it can be shooting the ball just a little bit better from beyond the arc.
https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sports/college/usc/2024/12/18/south-carolina-womens-basketball-dawn-staley-improvements-sec/76975216007/