Dawn Staley’s impact on women’s college basketball has been nothing short of extraordinary. The South Carolina Gamecocks head coach has built an unstoppable program, establishing a legacy that continues to grow with each passing season.
While some fans think fading the defending national champions in the upcoming NCAA Tournament might be a successful bet, one bracketologist explains why this isn’t a good strategy.
Bracketologists Underline Dawn Staley’s Dominance
As March Madness approaches, basketball analysts and fans alike are questioning whether any team can realistically stop South Carolina from making another championship push. With three NCAA titles already under her belt, Staley has turned the Gamecocks into a powerhouse known for their ability to dismantle top-tier opponents with ease.
ESPN bracketologist Charlie Creme made his stance on the matter clear in a tweet shared by Women’s Hoops Network.
“Betting against Dawn Staley is a fool’s errand.”
ESPN Bracketologist Charlie Creme explains why South Carolina might make the Final Four. pic.twitter.com/HhupsVjJtG
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) February 23, 2025
“Betting against Dawn Staley is a fool’s errand,” the bracketologist stated.
According to Creme, South Carolina’s dominance stems from its consistency, tactical execution, and Staley’s elite coaching ability, all of which make the team a heavy favorite for a Final Four appearance.
With a 25-3 overall record and a dominant 13-1 standing in SEC play, her team has once again positioned itself as a frontrunner for another deep NCAA Tournament run.
Sitting atop the SEC standings ahead of Texas, the Gamecocks have shown no signs of slowing down. They are making it clear that they are a formidable threat heading into March Madness.
South Carolina’s NCAA Tournament Path
One key reason for South Carolina’s success is Staley’s ability to balance strict discipline with strategic freedom. Her players execute plays with precision while maintaining the adaptability needed to adjust to any situation.
This formula has led to multiple championship runs, including the Gamecocks’ emphatic 64-49 victory over UConn in 2022, which secured their second NCAA title. Staley’s coaching methods allow her team to play with confidence and intensity, keeping them ahead of the competition in high-stakes matchups.
Given this level of dominance, it is no surprise that South Carolina is projected as the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. According to Creme’s latest bracket projections, the Gamecocks will be placed in the Birmingham Region, with their first-round games set to take place at home in Columbia, S.C.
The team’s potential opponents include an eighth-seeded Illinois, nine-seeded South Dakota State, and the winner of a First Four matchup between 16-seeded UNCG and High Point. If they advance past their opening-round opponent, they would then face either Illinois or South Dakota State in the Round of 32, likely securing a spot in the Sweet 16.
TAKE A DEEPER DIVE INTO DAWN: CHECK OUT COACH STALEY’S CONTRACT DETAILS
While South Carolina has maintained its top-seed projection for multiple weeks, its positioning briefly changed following a tough loss to a powerful UConn team. That defeat momentarily moved them into the Spokane, Wash., bracket.
However, after bouncing back with strong victories over Arkansas and Vanderbilt, the Gamecocks reclaimed their expected placement in Birmingham. With only two games left in the regular season against Ole Miss and Kentucky, South Carolina has the opportunity to further solidify its standing before the tournament begins.
As the postseason looms, Staley’s squad remains one of the most dangerous teams in college basketball.
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