The new generation of women’s hoops is here, and they’re all about defying the norms! South Carolina is off to a strong start, dropping just one game. Fresh off an 81-70 victory over No. 9 Duke in the matchup against Hailey Van Lith’s No. 9 TCU, the junior forward Ashlyn Watkins didn’t just shine—she made a statement, proving an NBA legend wrong.

Remember Shaquille O’Neal’s hot take about lowering WNBA rims to boost dunking? After he discussed it on Angel Reese’s podcast ‘Unapologetically Angel,’ it even sparked a backlash from A’ja Wilson, who clapped back with, “What is it gonna do?” But Shaq was adamant that it would bring business because fans love dunks. However, it looks like they don’t need to lower the rim for it.

Against TCU, Watkins just dunked her way into that narrative. She pulled off a highlight-reel dunk, her best yet, silencing doubters and showing that women’s basketball can bring the heat. In the first half against TCU, she lit the court with an epic dunk off a steal. Late in the first quarter, Sedona Prince, the nation’s top shot-blocker, rejected Watkins’ layup attempt. But Watkins hustled back, stole the ball from Madison Conner, and stormed down the court. 

By midcourt, it was obvious what was coming. Prince gave chase, but Watkins, unbothered, slammed it home. It was reminiscent of her dunks against Clemson and Kentucky last season, but this one felt extra special. By halftime, South Carolina was in cruise control, leading 44-23 while shooting 56% from the field.

The team’s suffocating defense held TCU’s star Prince to just two points and one rebound. But this wasn’t a surprise, as the Gamecocks’ defense-first mentality has been the cornerstone of Staley’s coaching philosophy. It showed earlier this season when the Gamecocks bounced back from their only loss with a 76-36 win over Iowa State.

At that time, senior Sania Feagin summed it up, saying, “We like to focus on defense before offense. Defense leads to offense. It gave us the energy and momentum of who we knew we are.” Now, in this game, with an amazing defensive showing and her players echoing her values, you know Coach Staley must be beaming with pride. But do you know? There’s another player winning Dawn Staley’s heart lately.

Dawn Staley proves critics wrong as her rising star shines 

It’s the late recruit, Maddy McDaniel. Despite joining South Carolina late, McDaniel quickly formed a bond with Staley. “Maddy makes me smile,” the HC recently said. Critics doubted McDaniel’s decision to commit to South Carolina, questioning her chances of standing out in a star-studded lineup. 

But McDaniel silenced the doubters in Thursday’s clash with Duke. Her steady play helped the Gamecocks secure an 81-70 win in the SEC/ACC Challenge. Staley didn’t hold back in defending her rising star. “Some people told her she was making the worst decision of her life. That we wouldn’t play her until her junior year. But I’m happy because she’s proving them wrong,” Staley said. 

The coach acknowledged how daunting it must’ve been for McDaniel to join a roster already stacked with guards like Raven Johnson. Yet, McDaniel chose the challenge. Her stats against Duke, seven points, three steals, and a team-best +14 rating in just 16 minutes spoke volumes.

So far this season, she is averaging 5.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, shooting a 65% from the field. So, for now, Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks look poised to make another good run. With their defense on the spot, Watkins’ highlight reels, and McDaniel proving her mettle, basically every player stepping up, who knows? They just might snag another title.