Dawn Staley sitting in the stands at a Clemson men’s basketball game is not something South Carolina fans see every day. But on Friday night, the Gamecocks’ three-time national champion women’s basketball coach drove the short distance from Columbia to Littlejohn Coliseum for a personal reason: to watch her godson play for the visiting team.
Why Staley Was in Littlejohn Coliseum
Staley was there to support Madden Collins, a sophomore guard at American University, which was Clemson’s opponent Friday. Collins is the son of Ariana Moore, who played four seasons for Staley at Temple and now serves as director of basketball operations on Staley’s South Carolina staff.
The ACC Network Extra broadcast caught Staley seated in a regular section of the arena, dressed in a gray American University hoodie.
Collins Shines in a Loss
Collins turned in a team-best 23 points on 10-of-20 shooting, but American fell to Clemson 82-73. The Eagles, a mid-major program from Washington, D.C., that plays in the Patriot League, hung close early and trailed just 39-34 at the break.
The Collins Family Connection
Collins played his high school ball at Irmo before finishing his prep career at Christ School near Asheville, North Carolina. His younger brother, Mason, is also a talented player and currently suits up at The Tatnall School in Delaware, where his father, former Temple and NBA player Mardy Collins, coaches him.
Collins is averaging a team-high 21.5 points per game this season. According to the Asheville Citizen-Times, Staley is godmother to both Collins brothers, and she regularly shows support for them on social media.
The timing worked out well. South Carolina practiced Friday afternoon, which left Staley with a free evening to make the trip to a rival’s gym.
A Return Trip Is Coming
Staley won’t have to wait long to be back at Littlejohn Coliseum, though next time she’ll be on the sideline. The No. 1 Gamecocks opened their season Monday with a win over No. 20 Maryland in Paris. They face No. 12 North Carolina in Charlotte on Sunday, then head to Clemson for the annual rivalry game on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
Staley has beaten Clemson 15 straight times and holds a 15-2 all-time record against the Tigers.
Bottom Line
It was a rare sight in a rivalry that is usually all business: South Carolina’s most famous coach in enemy territory, cheering for family. Collins gave her plenty to enjoy with a 23-point night, even in a loss. Next week, the friendly visit gives way to the real thing, as Staley brings a top-ranked team and a 15-game winning streak back to Littlejohn.
