Coach Dawn Staley targets guard depth and top recruits as transfer portal opens
Category: Sports
COLUMBIA — In the aftermath of their narrow defeat in the national title game to UCLA, the South Carolina women’s basketball team is actively seeking to bolster its roster through the transfer portal, which opened on April 6, 2026, and will remain available until April 20. Head coach Dawn Staley, who was present at the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 13 where three Gamecocks were selected, is focused on enhancing the backcourt after losing two starters, Raven Johnson and Ta’Niya Latson, from last season's squad.
As the transfer portal season kicks off, Staley has her sights set on adding a lead guard to support the returning players. “Obviously, we’ve got to add some guard play,” Staley stated on April 5. “Definitely some lead guard play, some more athleticism in the guard department.” With Johnson having was the starting point guard for the past three seasons and Latson being a finalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard of the Year Award, the need for skilled replacements is evident.
Among the early prospects is Virginia point guard Kymora Johnson, who recently visited South Carolina. Johnson, a three-time All-ACC player, had an impressive 2025-26 season, averaging 19.5 points and leading the conference with 5.9 assists per game. Her performance was instrumental in the Cavaliers’ Cinderella run to the Sweet 16, where she averaged 22.8 points in the NCAA Tournament. Staley is competing with TCU and UCLA for Johnson's commitment, and her skill set aligns perfectly with the Gamecocks' needs.
Meanwhile, South Carolina is also hosting Texas guard Jordan Lee, who visited the campus on April 14. Standing at 6 feet tall, Lee had a breakout sophomore season, averaging 13.2 points and shooting 48.2% on two-pointers. She has a history of performing well against the Gamecocks, scoring at least 10 points in the last four matchups, including a standout game where she netted 19 points in a victory over South Carolina in Las Vegas last season. Lee’s addition could fill the void left by Latson, providing both offensive firepower and defensive consistency.
In addition to the transfer portal targets, South Carolina is also focused on solidifying its recruiting class for the upcoming season. The Gamecocks have already secured commitments from several promising recruits, including guard Jerzy Robinson, ranked No. 6 in the 2026 class, forward Kaeli Wynn (No. 19), and Kelsi Andrews (No. 30). Staley’s 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be formidable, and the potential addition of five-star forward Oliviyah Edwards could make it even stronger.
Edwards, ranked as the No. 3 recruit in the 2026 class, visited South Carolina on April 14. The Washington native, who was previously committed to Tennessee, recently reopened her recruitment and is now considering the Gamecocks among her options. Her versatility and size at 6-foot-3 would provide Staley with additional depth in the frontcourt, where she would likely play behind established players like Joyce Edwards, Ashlyn Watkins, and Chloe Kitts.
As of April 15, no current South Carolina players have entered the transfer portal, which remains open until April 20. This timeline allows Staley to assess her current roster and make strategic decisions moving forward. The Gamecocks are looking to maintain their competitive edge, especially after a season marred by injuries that affected depth.
Staley’s approach to building the roster reflects a commitment to flexibility. The projected backcourt for the upcoming season includes Maddy McDaniel, Tessa Johnson, and Jerzy Robinson, with Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell providing additional options. The frontcourt is expected to feature Chloe Kitts, Alicia Tournebize, and Joyce Edwards, but Staley is known for her adaptability in utilizing her players effectively.
“Depth isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially coming off a season where Staley lost several players to injuries,” noted a recent analysis of South Carolina’s roster. This depth will be particularly important as the Gamecocks aim to reclaim their status as a powerhouse in women’s basketball.
The potential signing of both Kymora Johnson and Jordan Lee would address immediate needs and restore the depth that Staley has relied on in previous seasons. With the right additions, South Carolina could be well-equipped to make another deep postseason run.
Looking ahead, the Gamecocks will continue to monitor the transfer portal closely, evaluating prospects who can contribute immediately. The coaching staff remains optimistic about the upcoming season, especially with a strong recruiting class already in place and the possibility of adding key transfers.
As the April 20 deadline approaches, the Gamecocks are positioned to make strategic moves that could redefine their roster. With Staley at the helm, South Carolina women's basketball is focused on reclaiming its championship status in the coming years.
In the words of Staley, “We’re just getting started,” as the Gamecocks aim to build a team capable of competing at the highest level once again.