Chasing their third title in the fourth year, Dawn Staley knows how to build a team. After Kamilla Cardoso was drafted in the W, Staley has come up with new stars and one of them is a five-star recruit, who performed exceptionally well in the exhibition games. It only seems to amplify the remarks Staley has come to make following the game.

“For someone like Joyce, she’s not a player that should blend in with others. She is a player that is a big playmaker. She’s a small playmaker. She’s someone that is super versatile. You can play her at any given position,” Staley answered during the post-game press conference, applauding the freshman.

Edwards is a five-star recruit who used to ply her trade for the Camden High School in South Carolina. Ranked no.2 recruit in her class by ESPN, the 18-year-old picked the Gamecocks over offers from LSU and Clemson. She is also the highest-rated player from the SC after A’ja Wilson was in 2014 and coach Staley is well satisfied with her presence.

The 18-year-old is a dominant force on both ends of the court, scores on all levels, shares the ball, and has national team experience. So the HC doesn’t limit her to a position, asking her to be limitless instead. “I mean if she’s able to do all things, we’re going to ask her to do all things. She’s got the temperament, and she’s got the skill set. And she’s got the intellect to do it,” Staley answered.

After Cardoso passed out, Edwards is trying to fill the gap by adjusting to the team. Throughout South Carolina’s 126-42 win, Edwards played for 25:48 minutes, scoring 20 points with 8-11 field goals. She also was the highest assist maker and best rebounder for the team, having 6 and 11, respectively. On the offensive front, she hit 20 points, thus scoring a double-double. Staley, thus, justifies her comments, saying Edwards receives all the recognition the coach can bestow.

“I’m talking really great about her because that’s what I see. Like I don’t want to not give her her flowers. I mean we see her doing a lot of everything at efficiently and with ease. It is who she is as a player. We have to continue to take advantage of that,” the HC concluded. But for the 18-year-old, the confidence wouldn’t have come by if it weren’t Staley and her staff.

Joyce Edwards reveals Dawn Staley’s magical words

Even during her debut exhibition game against Memphis, Edwards scored a double-double just within 11 minutes in the first half. She hit 19 points and 12 boards and hence was lauded for her performance. And then during the next game, she scored 20 points and 11 rebounds. All this has made Edwards one of the core players for the Gamecocks. Edwards revealed the work behind that during the postgame press conference.

“I would say I feel pretty comfortable… I’m always nervous coming into the game, but I feel like my teammates and the coaching staff prepare me for moments like this… She [Staley] has confidence in me. She pushes me to be the best. Be position-less. Not limit myself. I feel like she really emphasizes on me being limitless,” Edwards expressed.

Much like how Staley revealed that she doesn’t mind playing Edwards in all positions, she too confirmed the same during the interview. Perhaps, Staley is building a team that does wonders in the regular season and inches closer to the Championship title.