Gamecocks Face New Reality: 5 Reasons South Carolina Could Stumble Against LSU in 2025
The landscape of women’s college basketball is ever-shifting, and few rivalries have captured the nation’s attention like the burgeoning clash between Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks and Kim Mulkey’s LSU Tigers. With MiLaysia Fulwiley’s seismic transfer from Columbia to Baton Rouge, the 2025 season promises to be a pivotal chapter. While South Carolina has enjoyed a dominant run, a confluence of factors suggests the Gamecocks could face unprecedented challenges against a re-energized LSU squad. This isn’t just about a single player; it’s about how seismic roster shifts can redefine even the most formidable programs.
The Exodus: South Carolina’s Offseason Departures
The ripple effect of Fulwiley’s move extends beyond her own impressive scoring. South Carolina is grappling with the departure of several key players who were instrumental in their recent championship success. Te-Hina Paopao, a vital contributor averaging 9.4 points and leading the team in assists last season, has exhausted her eligibility. Similarly, Sania Feagin, who provided significant frontcourt presence with 8.1 points and a team-leading 2.4 blocks per game, has also graduated. Bree Hall, another reliable scorer and rebounder, averaging 6.3 points and 3.0 boards, is also moving on. These aren’t minor losses; they represent significant gaps in scoring, playmaking, and defensive anchor points that Staley will need to meticulously address.
The Fulwiley Factor: Replacing Bench Dominance
MiLaysia Fulwiley was a unique weapon in Dawn Staley’s arsenal. Despite a limited starting role over her career, she consistently delivered explosive offense off the bench, averaging 11.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.6 steals across 77 games. Her ability to inject immediate scoring and defensive pressure was crucial in South Carolina’s back-to-back NCAA title game appearances. Replicating that level of impactful bench production will be a formidable task for any incoming player or existing reserve. The Gamecocks lose not just a player, but a distinct strategic advantage that Mulkey now aims to exploit.
LSU’s Ascendant “Big 3”
The arrival of Fulwiley at LSU creates a potent new attacking force, forming a formidable “Big 3” alongside established stars Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams. Johnson and Williams were offensive powerhouses last season, averaging 18.6 and 17.3 points respectively. The addition of Fulwiley’s dynamic scoring ability to this established duo creates a terrifying offensive proposition for opposing defenses. This isn’t simply adding talent; it’s about synergizing proven scorers into an even more dangerous unit, designed to overwhelm opponents.
The Ashlyn Watkins Shadow: A Crucial Frontcourt Absence
Adding insult to injury, South Carolina will also be without the services of Ashlyn Watkins for the entire 2025-26 season. After suffering a season-ending ACL tear in January, Watkins had been anticipated to return as a key frontcourt presence. Her absence, however, has been amplified by her decision to sit out the upcoming season to focus on her recovery. Watkins was a dominant force when healthy, averaging 7.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and nearly two blocks per game, while also contributing 1.3 steals. Her defensive impact and rebounding prowess will be sorely missed, particularly in matchups against physically imposing teams like LSU.
Mulkey’s Masterclass: LSU’s Strategic Offseason Reinforcements
Kim Mulkey and her staff have been exceptionally active in the transfer portal and recruiting trail, aiming to elevate LSU after their Elite Eight exit. Beyond securing Fulwiley, the Tigers have bolstered their roster with significant additions, including Kate Koval and Amiya Joyner. Furthermore, their incoming freshman class features highly touted prospects like Naismith High All-Americans Grace Knox and ZaKiyah Johnson. This strategic influx of talent, coupled with the existing star power, suggests LSU is meticulously assembling a championship-caliber roster designed to compete at the highest level. Their approach demonstrates a clear intent to capitalize on the current college basketball landscape.
This convergence of factors – key departures from South Carolina, the formidable new LSU trio, and the significant absence of a defensive anchor – paints a picture of a potentially reshaped power dynamic in the SEC. While Staley has a proven track record of adapting, the challenges facing the Gamecocks in 2025 are substantial. The upcoming season will be a true test of depth, coaching acumen, and resilience for both programs.
What are your predictions for the upcoming rivalry between South Carolina and LSU? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
