Now this feels familiar.
Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks are the No. 1 overall seed heading into the women’s NCAA tournament for the second consecutive season. They enter March Madness undefeated — for the second year in a row — and at 32-0 are the only remaining unbeaten Division I team in men’s or women’s college hoops. They are once again the betting favorite to win the championship.
How they got here is a different story entirely, and it just might help the Gamecocks win their third title in seven NCAA tournaments.
Several women’s teams have been championship contenders in successive seasons, with star players leading the way. Think Chamique Holdsclaw (Tennessee Lady Vols, 1996-1998), Diana Taurasi (UConn Huskies 2002-2004), Candace Parker (Tennessee 2007-08), Maya Moore and Tina Charles (UConn 2009-10) and Breanna Stewart (UConn 2013-2016).
South Carolina is back on top this season after losing five starters, including 2023 WNBA No. 1 draft pick Aliyah Boston, and a top reserve from last year’s team. How did…
