One Area Gamecock WBB Is Excelling In, & Need To Improve In

South Carolina's women's basketball team is breaking for final exams, so we take a look at what they're excelling at and what they need to improve.

Under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina's women's basketball team has once again asserted its dominance in the early stages of the women's college basketball season. With an impressive 9-0 record and notable victories over four top-ranked opponents, the Gamecocks have showcased their prowess as a formidable force in the sport. While the team's performance has been exceptional overall, there are specific areas where they have excelled and others that present opportunities for improvement.

Efficiency on Offense

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Gamecocks' performance this season is their outstanding offense efficiency. The team currently ranks second in Division I women's college hoops in field goal percentage, boasting a 52.1 shooting percentage from the floor. This remarkable accuracy has translated into the Gamecocks being one of the highest-scoring teams in the nation, averaging an impressive 91.8 points per game, a statistic that has them ranked among the top 10 teams in the country.

This exceptional offensive efficiency is a testament to the team's cohesive play, effective ball movement, and the players' skills. Coach Dawn Staley's emphasis on disciplined, high-percentage shot selection has paid dividends, enabling the Gamecocks to consistently outscore their opponents and maintain a competitive edge on the offensive end.

Raven Johnson stealing the ball from a backcourt player against Morgan State (6th Dec., 2023) / Jeff Blake | USA TODAY Sports

Free Throw Shooting

Despite their overall offensive prowess, the Gamecocks' free throw shooting is an area that could benefit from improvement. While the team has demonstrated the ability to draw fouls and earn trips to the free-throw line at a high frequency, their free-throw shooting efficiency currently stands at 65 percent. While this percentage is respectable, there is no denying that an improvement in this area could further elevate the team's performance.

Enhancing their free throw shooting could significantly bolster the Gamecocks' offensive output, allowing them to convert more scoring opportunities and solidify their dominance in close games.

Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks have started the season with impressive dominance. While it's tough to nitpick, there's always room for improvement, and their achievements have been commendable; the team's commitment to addressing areas for improvement underscores their unwavering pursuit of excellence. As they continue to strive for greatness, South Carolina is well-positioned to maintain their status as the top team in women's college basketball.

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