South Carolina Women's Basketball National Championship Roster
The South Carolina Women's Basketball team has become one of the most dominant forces in college basketball over the past couple of years, and their 2017 National Championship victory cemented their place in history. Led by head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks had a roster full of talented players who came together to win the program's first ever national championship. Let's take a closer look at the championship roster and the players who made it happen.
The Starters
Allisha Gray
Allisha Gray was the team's leading scorer and a force to be reckoned with on the court. She was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, and her performances throughout the tournament were nothing short of spectacular. Gray decided to forego her final year of eligibility and enter the WNBA draft, where she was selected fourth overall by the Dallas Wings.
Kaela Davis
Kaela Davis was the team's second-leading scorer and a key member of the starting lineup. Her scoring ability and clutch performances were crucial to the team's success throughout the tournament. Like Gray, Davis decided to forego her final year of eligibility and enter the WNBA draft, where she was selected tenth overall by the Dallas Wings.
Alaina Coates
Alaina Coates was the team's dominant post player and a force on the defensive end of the court. Her rebounding and shot-blocking skills were instrumental in the team's success, and she was named to the SEC All-Defensive Team. Coates was selected second overall in the 2017 WNBA draft by the Chicago Sky.
Tiffany Mitchell
Tiffany Mitchell was the team's starting guard and provided solid scoring and ball-handling skills. Her ability to get to the basket and knock down outside shots was crucial to the team's offensive success. Mitchell was drafted ninth overall in the 2016 WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever.
Bianca Cuevas-Moore
Bianca Cuevas-Moore was the team's spark off the bench, providing energy and scoring when the team needed it most. Her quickness and ability to get to the basket made her a tough matchup for opposing defenses. Cuevas-Moore is currently playing professionally overseas.
The Bench
A'ja Wilson
A'ja Wilson was the team's star player and one of the best players in the country. She came off the bench due to injury but still played a crucial role in the team's success. Wilson was drafted first overall in the 2018 WNBA draft by the Las Vegas Aces.
Dawn Staley
Dawn Staley was the team's head coach and one of the most successful coaches in the country. She led the team to their first ever national championship and has continued to build the program into a national powerhouse. Staley is also the head coach of the USA Women's National Team.
Conclusion
The South Carolina Women's Basketball National Championship Roster was filled with talented players who came together to achieve something special. Led by their star players Allisha Gray, Kaela Davis, Alaina Coates, and Tiffany Mitchell, the team played with heart and determination to win the program's first ever national championship. With players like A'ja Wilson and Dawn Staley leading the way, the future of South Carolina Women's Basketball looks bright.