South Carolina Tops AP Preseason Poll, 2024-25 Season is Around the Corner
South Carolina women’s basketball will open the 2024-25 season ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, maintaining their status as the team to beat in the upcoming campaign. The Gamecocks, who are coming off an undefeated national championship season, claimed 27 of the 30 first-place votes in the preseason rankings released Tuesday.
This marks the fourth time in five seasons that South Carolina has been the preseason No. 1, a testament to head coach Dawn Staley’s continued success with the program. Staley’s squad returns four seniors from last year’s team, positioning the Gamecocks as strong contenders to defend their national title.
For the first time since 1999, Stanford is unranked in the preseason. Hall of Fame coach Tara VanDerveer retired in April, and longtime assistant Kate Paye has stepped in as her replacement. Stanford had held the second-longest active preseason ranking streak, trailing only UConn.
Consistency at the Top
South Carolina’s ability to remain a top-ranked program is a product of both its coaching and the depth of talent it boasts year after year. Under Staley, the Gamecocks have now been ranked No. 1 in the AP poll 84 times, all since 2014. Last season, South Carolina held the top spot for the entire season, capping off a historic year with a dominant performance against Iowa in the national championship game.
While the recognition is significant, Staley emphasized that her team is focused on more than rankings. “We knew we’d have a target on our backs this season as the reigning champions, and this preseason ranking just confirms that,” Staley said. “We appreciate the recognition, but I know our coaching staff and our team are more focused on what we see in the gym every day.”
The Gamecocks’ veteran presence includes key returners like All-American guard Te-Hina Paopao and junior Raven Johnson. Paopao led the nation in 3-point percentage last season, while Johnson was second in the country in assist-to-turnover ratio. Both players, along with sophomore standout MiLaysia Fulwiley, earned Preseason All-SEC honors.
Top Contenders in the Poll
Following South Carolina in the rankings is UConn at No. 2, receiving two first-place votes. The Huskies, a storied program under head coach Geno Auriemma, are coming off a season marred by injuries but are expected to contend for a title with a healthier lineup this year. UConn has been a fixture in the AP Top 10 for three decades, a streak that continues as they prepare for the new season.
The University of Southern California (USC) holds the No. 3 spot, signaling their rise in the national conversation. Texas and UCLA complete the top five, with each team featuring strong rosters that will likely challenge for deep postseason runs.
South Carolina’s Depth and New Faces
In addition to its returning core, South Carolina has reloaded with a highly-ranked recruiting class, including three top-30 freshmen. Forward Joyce Edwards, rated No. 3 overall in her class, leads the group alongside guard Maddy McDaniel and forward Adhel Tac. The Gamecocks also secured the services of Arkansas transfer Maryam Dauda, who led the SEC in blocks per game last season.
This new influx of talent bolsters a team that excelled in key statistical categories last season. South Carolina led the nation in scoring defense, scoring margin, and blocked shots per game. They also set program records for scoring average, assists, and 3-point field goals made, showcasing their balanced and efficient play.
The Gamecocks’ ability to integrate their newcomers with their returning stars will be crucial as they navigate a challenging schedule and the pressure of being the defending champions. Staley is confident in her team’s work ethic and focus. “Our goal is to keep getting better, and that starts in practice,” she said.
Upcoming Season
South Carolina unofficially begins its season with an exhibition game against Memphis in the inaugural Hoops for St. Jude Tip-Off Classic. The regular season starts on Nov. 4 with a high-profile matchup against Michigan in the Hall of Fame Series in Las Vegas.
As the new season begins, South Carolina stands as the team to beat, but with fierce competition from teams like UConn and USC, the journey to another national championship will require continued focus and growth.
Staley summed up the mindset of her team: “The recognition is great, but what matters most is how we perform on the court and how much we continue to improve.”
AP Top 25 Preseason Poll
- South Carolina
- UConn
- USC
- Texas
- UCLA
- Notre Dame
- LSU
- Iowa State
- North Carolina State
- Oklahoma
- Duke
- Baylor
- Kansas State
- Ohio State
- North Carolina
- West Virginia
- Louisville
- Maryland
- Florida State
- Ole Miss
- Creighton
- Kentucky
- Nebraska
- Alabama
- Indiana
Other receiving votes:
Iowa 37, TCU 30, Utah 24, Illinois 23, Stanford 17, Michigan St. 16, Gonzaga 16, Vanderbilt 12, South Dakota St. 7, Miami 4, Tennessee 3, Fairfield 3, Middle Tennessee 3, Georgia Tech 2, Syracuse 1, Princeton 1.
