2010-2011 SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS WOMENS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

The South Carolina Gamecocks are one of those teams that are difficult to place. They have shown a marked improvement since head coach Dawn Staley took over the program. If they can continue their improvement for this season, then they could definitely play the spoiler in the SEC East. I would have them much higher if they were not in the absolutely stacked SEC East.

Dawn Staley has proven that she can turn losing programs around quickly. In her time with Temple, she led the Owls to the postseason in just her second season. This will be the season to decide whether or not she will be able to bring the Gamecocks back into prominence.

South Carolina returns their top scorer from last season in senior Valerie Nainima. She averaged 17 points per game last season, and should be the unquestioned leader of this team going into the new season. The Gamecocks will look to her to provide the passion and drive that will excite the younger players on the roster. These younger players will need to feed on her experience if they figure to make a postseason appearance this season.

South Carolina's weakness appears to be their defense, which keeps him in the bottom half of the SEC. No team can hope to compete with the likes of Tennessee and Kentucky without a sturdy defense that can be trusted down the stretch. Last season the Gamecocks were outscored by their opponents, and they do not look to have improved this season. They lost their best shot blocker, Kelsey Bone, to graduation, and they do not return many great defensive players.

I think the Gamecocks will be competitive, but they are a year out from making the NCAA Tournament. They should, however, still make the postseason in the WNIT, where they should be seeded high and could make a run.

Looking for our Last years South Carolina Gamecocks Womens Basketball page? Check out 2009 South Carolina Gamecocks Womens Basketball.

If you haven't read it yet, check out our:

• Dawn Staley Biography -- South Carolina coach
• Top NCAA Women's Basketball Program
• Top SEC Basketball Fan Attendance School
• South Carolina Gamecocks Apparel
• South Carolina Gamecocks Merchandise
• South Carolina Gamecocks Tailgate Party Shop
• South Carolina Gamecocks Fathead
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