From Loss to Loaded? Staley’s Aggressive Portal Moves Raise Eyebrows (and Expectations)

When the final buzzer echoed through the national championship arena, the loss wasn’t the only thing weighing on Dawn Staley’s mind. It was the overwhelming feeling that her team was about to undergo a massive transformation. Within weeks, the departures started to pile up—MiLaysia Fulwiley entered the transfer portal, Bree Hall was heading to the WNBA, and Sania Feagin followed suit. The shake-up was swift, leaving Staley with the daunting task of rebuilding her squad. Yet, if there’s one thing the South Carolina head coach knows, it’s how to turn the page and keep moving forward. Just a month after hinting that her team might dive into the transfer portal to fill a glaring gap at center, Staley’s bold move paid off.

 

Enter Madina Okot, a 6-foot-6 powerhouse who had made waves at Mississippi State and internationally. When Okot officially signed with South Carolina, Staley’s excitement was palpable, as she proudly posted, “A birdie just flew in the nest!!!” And with that, the Gamecocks added a game-changing presence in the paint.

 

But Okot’s arrival wasn’t just about filling a hole—it was about injecting new energy into a team that had weathered an emotional offseason. Okot was more than a talented center; she was a proven leader, known for her rebounding prowess and an impressive 64.9% shooting percentage. Her story—transitioning from volleyball to basketball and rising to international prominence—spoke to her resilience and work ethic. And in Okot, South Carolina didn’t just gain a player, they gained a player who had already proven herself in the SEC and beyond. “We’re excited to bring her to our Gamecock family,” Staley said, knowing that Okot’s competitive spirit and size would be the missing piece for her team’s frontcourt.

 

But Okot wasn’t the only piece of the puzzle. Before the big center made her entrance, Ta’Niya Latson, the standout guard from Florida State, had already sparked hope for the future. Latson, a three-time All-ACC First Team selection and All-American honorable mention, was a backcourt dynamo who had lit up the college scene with an average of 22.5 points per game. Her arrival signaled the start of South Carolina’s rebuild, bringing firepower to the perimeter and a fierce competitor who could lead on and off the court. Together, with Okot anchoring the paint and Latson igniting the backcourt, Dawn Staley’s new-look squad began to take shape—a balanced, powerful team with serious potential.