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After South Carolina’s first official preseason practice, Dawn Staley complained that the Gamecocks were already behind schedule. Because multiple players competed for their various national teams over the summer, South Carolina was unable to install anything other than some basic offensive concepts.
It began almost as soon as last season ended. In late April, Chloe Kitts, Joyce Edwards, Tessa Johnson, and Maddy McDaniel traveled to Arizona to compete in the 3X Nationals. Then in June, Edwards and freshman Ayla McDowell competed in the AmeriCup Tournament in Chile for the United States and Brazil, respectively.
Immediately after the AmeriCup, McDowell traveled from Chile to Czechia for the U19 World Cup, where she was joined by fellow freshman Agot Makeer, who plays for Canada. Edwards wrapped things up by heading back to Chile for the 3X3 NationsLeague at the end of July.
“This offseason was kind of like no other,” Staley said. “We didn’t have our entire team here this summer. Joyce was gone, and then our freshmen weren’t here because they were with their national teams. We really didn’t really do anything besides learn some offensive concepts, and that’s not much.
“We’re not where we need to be.”
Staley said, half jokingly, that having players play 3X3 also taught them some bad habits for when they returned.
“Chloe came back, during the tournament, saying, ‘Joyce and I need to be playing more pick and rolls,’” Staley said. “Okay. What about the four other people that are going to be on the court when it’s not 3X3?”
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If international competition has put South Carolina so far behind, why does Staley allow, even encourage, her players to do it?
It starts with Staley herself. As a player, her dream was to play in the Olympics. She ended up winning three gold medals as a player and was the American flag bearer at the opening ceremonies in 2004.
She returned as an assistant coach and then head coach, leading the Americans to another gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. This summer, she was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame. Staley wants her players to be able to have the same experiences.
There is also a practical matter: it’s good for player development. The coaching and competitive environment help players get better.
Last September, Sania Feagin missed part of preseason practice to play in the 3X3 U23 World Cup in Mongolia. Feagin won a gold medal, and she and Staley cited that experience as giving her the confidence boost she needed to become a key contributor last season.
That applies to current players as well as potential players. Staley and associate head coach Lisa Boyer traveled to Czechia to support McDowell and Makeer, and left with at least two additional scholarship offers.
Somto Okafor (Spain) and Sitaya Fagan (Australia) were two of the standout players during the World Cup and caught Staley’s eye. Okafor visited South Carolina last week, and Fagan, who will visit Columbia soon, has South Carolina in her top three.
“Anytime your players can play outside the season and play in a competitive event, it’s a good thing,” Staley said.
