Here are the highlights from Staley’s postgame press conference.
A Complete Game This Time
South Carolina won its opener against Maryland in Paris, but Staley wasn’t happy with how it ended. The Gamecocks led by as many as 31 points and then allowed 60 in the second half, watching the cushion almost disappear before hanging on for a 101-93 win.
Sunday was the opposite. South Carolina scored 50 points in the second half and held North Carolina to 22.
“We put 40 minutes together,” Staley said.
She was also pleased with the group that closed the game. The reserves saw valuable late action, and Staley liked how they handled it.
“I was really, really proud of the group that finished the game because they just picked up where everybody else left off, and they executed on both sides of the basketball, and it’s all creating more and more depth,” Staley said. “We need more of that. Hopefully with them experiencing playing, like really great minutes because North Carolina never, never gave up, so it was a great opportunity for all of us to learn.”
Sharing the Point Guard Duties
Just two games in, Staley likes what she sees from the point guard-by-committee approach.
“Tessa, and Gotti, and Jerzy and Brooke, they’re doing a great job by-committee,” Staley said. “We don’t by any means want them to think they are like a point guard, that’s not them. We’re gonna do the best we can. … We’re gonna work around their skill set and we’ll work around their ability to control the game to the best of their ability. And I think we’ve got smart players.”
She had particular praise for freshman Jerzy Robinson, who played more of a combo guard role in high school than a true point guard. Robinson scored 10 points off the bench against the Tar Heels.
“We’ve asked her a daunting task of being the point guard for our team, which is out of position for her really,” Staley said. “But we feel like if she can actually play the position, it’s only going to help her be a better two or three, a better wing player, and she’s done a great job. She’s just embraced it.”
Chloe Kitts Rediscovers Her Form
Fifth-year forward Chloe Kitts looked like her old self, recording a double-double with a team-high 17 points and 10 rebounds. Kitts missed last season with a torn ACL, and she played without a knee brace Sunday. Staley said dropping it was “probably one of the biggest things she could have done” for her mindset.
“We all know what Chloe can do,” Staley said. “Chloe can get a double-double like that. Chloe is a glue player that is very, very unselfish, and she can find other players. I think, for her, getting into the groove of playing like she played prior to her injury, and today was a good example of what she’s capable of. I think muscle memory will get her back to those times in which she can be counted on.”
Bottom Line
After the late-game scare in Paris, Staley wanted proof that her team could finish, and Sunday provided it. A dominant second half, growing confidence in the bench and a Kitts who looks free of doubt are the best signs yet that this team can build on its early foundation. The point guard rotation will keep evolving, but for now, Staley is comfortable with the committee approach as the Gamecocks turn to Clemson.
