South Carolina ladies’s basketball will open the 2024-25 season ranked No. 1 within the Related Press Prime 25 ballot, sustaining their standing because the group to beat within the upcoming marketing campaign. The Gamecocks, who’re coming off an undefeated nationwide championship season, claimed 27 of the 30 first-place votes within the preseason rankings launched Tuesday.
This marks the fourth time in 5 seasons that South Carolina has been the preseason No. 1, a testomony to move coach Daybreak Staley’s continued success with this system. Staley’s squad returns 4 seniors from final 12 months’s group, positioning the Gamecocks as sturdy contenders to defend their nationwide title.
For the primary time since 1999, Stanford is unranked within the preseason. Corridor of Fame coach Tara VanDerveer retired in April, and longtime assistant Kate Paye has stepped in as her alternative. Stanford had held the second-longest lively preseason rating streak, trailing solely UConn.
Consistency on the Prime
South Carolina’s means to stay a top-ranked program is a product of each its teaching and the depth of expertise it boasts 12 months after 12 months. Below Staley, the Gamecocks have now been ranked No. 1 within the AP ballot 84 instances, all since 2014. Final season, South Carolina held the highest spot for the complete season, capping off a historic 12 months with a dominant efficiency towards Iowa within the nationwide championship recreation.
Whereas the popularity is important, Staley emphasised that her group is targeted on greater than rankings. “We knew we’d have a goal on our backs this season because the reigning champions, and this preseason rating simply confirms that,” Staley mentioned. “We recognize the popularity, however I do know our teaching employees and our group are extra centered on what we see within the fitness center on daily basis.”
The Gamecocks’ veteran presence contains key returners like All-American guard Te-Hina Paopao and junior Raven Johnson. Paopao led the nation in 3-point proportion final season, whereas Johnson was second within the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio. Each gamers, together with sophomore standout MiLaysia Fulwiley, earned Preseason All-SEC honors.
Prime Contenders within the Ballot
Following South Carolina within the rankings is UConn at No. 2, receiving two first-place votes. The Huskies, a storied program below head coach Geno Auriemma, are coming off a season marred by accidents however are anticipated to contend for a title with a more healthy lineup this 12 months. UConn has been a fixture within the AP Prime 10 for 3 a long time, a streak that continues as they put together for the brand new season.
The College of Southern California (USC) holds the No. 3 spot, signaling their rise within the nationwide dialog. Texas and UCLA full the highest 5, with every group that includes sturdy rosters that may probably problem for deep postseason runs.
South Carolina’s Depth and New Faces
Along with its returning core, South Carolina has reloaded with a highly-ranked recruiting class, together with three top-30 freshmen. Ahead Joyce Edwards, rated No. 3 general in her class, leads the group alongside guard Maddy McDaniel and ahead Adhel Tac. The Gamecocks additionally secured the companies of Arkansas switch Maryam Dauda, who led the SEC in blocks per recreation final season.
This new inflow of expertise bolsters a group that excelled in key statistical classes final season. South Carolina led the nation in scoring protection, scoring margin, and blocked photographs per recreation. Additionally they set program data for scoring common, assists, and 3-point subject targets made, showcasing their balanced and environment friendly play.
The Gamecocks’ means to combine their newcomers with their returning stars will probably be essential as they navigate a difficult schedule and the stress of being the defending champions. Staley is assured in her group’s work ethic and focus. “Our purpose is to maintain getting higher, and that begins in follow,” she mentioned.
Upcoming Season
South Carolina unofficially begins its season with an exhibition recreation towards Memphis within the inaugural Hoops for St. Jude Tip-Off Traditional. The common season begins on Nov. 4 with a high-profile matchup towards Michigan within the Corridor of Fame Sequence in Las Vegas.
As the brand new season begins, South Carolina stands because the group to beat, however with fierce competitors from groups like UConn and USC, the journey to a different nationwide championship would require continued focus and progress. 
