As South Carolina prepares to face UCLA on their home court this Sunday, Coach Dawn Staley seems to have a sharp focus on what needs fixing. The Gamecocks have had a spotless 5-0 start, and their defensive dominance is clear—but the same can’t be said for their offense. And now, with another major game on the horizon, she isn’t mincing words about what she wants: smarter and sharper shooting.

“I just want us to play a little bit more fluid offensively, more efficient,” the Gamecocks HC said during practice. “We don’t take very good shots, and our shooting percentage reflects that.” After all, they shot just 42.9% from the field against Clemson in their last win. According to her, the team needs to take ‘momentum shots.’

She didn’t hold back, explaining that poor shot selection was giving opponents unnecessary momentum. “This shouldn’t be that hard to score baskets. So we’re just working through that,” she added. For the 54-year-old, a “good shot” is more than just making the basket. 

It’s about rhythm, timing, and positioning. “For us, a good shot is in rhythm. That’s one. Two: rebounding position. (If) we got people down there rebounding, gives us a shot to get an offensive rebound,” she explained. 

She also emphasized teamwork, urging her players to feed whoever has the hot hand. “If you’re open two times down, they’re not guarding you. You’re gonna be open for the entire possession. So let it run a little bit, it comes back, lock load, and shoot that thing,” she added.

The Gamecocks’ last game against Clemson was a tale of two halves. After a sluggish start that saw them trailing 17-12 midway through the second quarter, South Carolina flipped the switch with a 17-0 run to regain control. Their defense shone brightly, holding Clemson to just 45 points, but the offense? Not so much. 

They went 33-77 from the field and made 7 threes on 36.8% accuracy. Even from the free throw line, they shot just 66.7%, though they only went to the stripe for 6 attempts. And it’s not just Clemson.

Even in their season opener against Michigan, the Gamecocks narrowly avoided an upset, winning 68-62, shooting a dismal 33.3% from the field. While their offense seemed to stabilize in subsequent games, these inconsistencies are a red flag. But there is one bright spot: Ashlyn Watkins.

Coming off the bench in the previous game, Watkins posted her first double-double of the season with 10 points and 11 rebounds. As the HC has said, players have “a lot of opportunities” since Kamilla Cordoso has left. Can Watkins fill the void after a challenging few months off the court?

Does Dawn Staley see shades of A’ja Wilson in Ashlyn Watkins?

Back in August, the 21-year-old faced serious charges, including assa-lt, which led to her suspension. However, after the charges were dismissed in November, she rejoined the team and has been working hard to make up for lost time. 

Staley had high praise for Watkins but also acknowledged the challenges she faces. “She missed two months, and you know our bigs have progressed. They’ve worked really hard. So Ash has her work cut out for her,” Staley said. She even likened Watkins’ current role to that of A’ja Wilson, who came off the bench during her freshman year.

“A’ja came off the bench her freshman year and still got every award that she’s supposed to get,” Dawn pointed out, hinting at Watkins’ potential to follow a similar path. And proving her right, Watkins has been steadily improving since returning to the team.

She has averaged 5.7 points and 4 rebounds per game so far. She is definitely more than capable of powering South Carolina’s offense. With her 6’3 frame, rebounding ability, and knack for scoring in the paint, she could be the missing piece the Gamecocks need. Only time will tell if she manages to make the right plays or not.