The South Carolina women's basketball team, currently ranked third, is striving to have its complete roster of eleven players available, a situation yet to occur this season. Key player Ta'Niya Latson has been sidelined with a left ankle sprain since December 28, while new French recruit Alicia Tournebize is still awaiting her inaugural appearance on the court. Head coach Dawn Staley recently spoke to the press regarding the team's health, particularly concerning the Georgia game scheduled for January 11. Although Latson was removed from the SEC injury report on January 10, Tournebize remained listed as out. Staley's responses during the January 9 media session did not clarify Tournebize's participation. Latson, the team's second-highest scorer, has been absent from conference play, having sustained her injury in the last game before the new year. Both players were observed participating in free-throw drills during practice on January 7 but did not play in the subsequent 93-58 victory against Arkansas. However, on January 9, Latson was seen practicing with the starting lineup, showing no apparent limitations.
South Carolina Grapples with Player Availability Ahead of Critical SEC Showdown
COLUMBIA – The highly-ranked South Carolina women's basketball team is navigating a challenging period marked by player injuries and availability concerns as they prepare for a significant Southeastern Conference (SEC) matchup against Georgia. The Gamecocks, currently holding the No. 3 national ranking, have yet to see their full 11-player roster on the court this season, a situation coach Dawn Staley hopes will soon change.
A primary concern revolves around starting guard Ta'Niya Latson, the team's second-leading scorer with an average of 16.9 points per game. Latson has been recovering from a left ankle sprain sustained on December 28, an injury that has kept her out of conference play. Encouragingly, Latson's name was notably absent from the SEC injury report released on January 10, sparking speculation about her potential return for the Georgia game on January 11. During a media session on January 9, Latson was observed engaging in drills with the starting five, displaying no noticeable setbacks, fueling optimism among fans and coaches alike.
Adding to the team's roster complexities is the eagerly anticipated debut of Alicia Tournebize, a 6-foot-7 player from France. Tournebize, however, remained on the injury report as 'out,' and Coach Staley offered no specific timeline for her first game appearance when questioned by the media. This means the team's depth, particularly in the frontcourt, could be tested once again.
The 2025-26 season has been a trying one for South Carolina regarding player health. Early in the season, Maddy McDaniel missed a game due to injury and later served a suspension. The team then saw Agot Makeer sidelined from December 3-28, with Tessa Johnson and Madina Okot also missing individual games during that period. Just as the roster seemed to stabilize, Latson's injury occurred, highlighting the continuous battle with player availability that has plagued the Gamecocks throughout the season.
The upcoming game against Georgia, scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on the SEC Network, will be a crucial test for the Gamecocks as they strive for a complete and healthy squad to maintain their strong performance in the league.
The ongoing challenges faced by the South Carolina women's basketball team highlight the unpredictable nature of sports, where injuries can significantly impact a team's trajectory. Coach Staley's strategic management of player health and her emphasis on team resilience are crucial in maintaining their competitive edge. This situation serves as a reminder that a deep and adaptable roster is paramount for sustained success, particularly in demanding collegiate sports seasons.