In a striking testament to Dawn Staley's impact on women's basketball, WNBA player Chiney Ogwumike recently likened the South Carolina coach to legendary figures like UConn's Geno Auriemma and Tennessee's Pat Summitt. The comparison came as the Gamecocks, helmed by Staley, prepare to take on NC State in the Final Four on Friday, backed by an undefeated season and the No. 1 national ranking.
Ogwumike's praise did not come lightly, placing Staley in a category with coaches who have defined women's college basketball.
“If she were able to win this Final Four and bring another championship to South Carolina, she would be on a dynastic run … one of the greats like Geno Auriemma, like Pat Summitt, like Tara VanDerveer,” Ogwumike said on First Take. “Now it is early in her career … before that, she was handling her business, not only coaching team USA, but also being one of the greatest players we’ve seen, one of the best point guards we’ve ever seen.”
Dawn Staley, South Carolina ‘want to win'
This season, the South Carolina women's basketball team has faced a different set of challenges compared to the previous year's more seasoned lineup. Early on, the younger squad grappled with discipline and conditioning issues, a departure from the order Staley was accustomed to. The players' initial lack of shape and lapses in discipline presented unforeseen challenges for Staley and her coaching staff. However, she embraced these obstacles, seeing them as an opportunity for growth.
Sophomore guard Raven Johnson, sophomore forward Chloe Kitts, junior guard Bree Hall and their teammates are acutely aware of the slim margin between winning and disappointment. The memory of the narrow escape against Tennessee in the SEC Tournament and the “horrible feeling” of nearly losing drives them to approach each game with a do-or-die attitude.
Staley, reflective yet focused, recognizes the “finish line” that awaits. With the Gamecocks' eyes set on the prize, she is cautious of the traps of complacency. The desire to win is palpable within the team, as Staley asserts her ambition to emerge victorious.
“You can see the finish line,” Staley said. “It's not disrespecting the process or not disrespecting our opponent, but once you get here, they can see it. NC State can see it. UConn can see it. Iowa can see the end of the finish line. There's one in the possible games left for all of us, and I want to win.
“I want to win.”
As South Carolina strides into the Final Four, the narrative extends beyond this season's achievements. It encompasses Staley's potential elevation to the ranks of coaching royalty, as noted by Ogwumike.
“If she is able to have this final chapter in building a dynasty where you have three championships in seven years and then some?” Ogwumike said. “Again, she’s an icon certified.”
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