Dawn Staley: "I sense another championship": Hoops fans react to Dawn Staley's South Carolina welcoming "new birdies" to the squad

Dawn Staley is adding depth ahead of next season. South Carolina women's basketball shared photos of the team's new additions on Instagram on Thursday.

"Welcoming the new birdies to the nest 🤙," the caption read.

New members of the Gamecocks squad include No. 4 overall recruit Agot Makeer, five-star recruit Ayla McDowell, FSU transfer Ta'Niya Latson and Mississippi State transfer Madina Okot.

Fans reacted to the new additions to Staley's squad. Many suggested that South Carolina will win a national championship in the near future.

"I sense another championship😝," a fan said.

A South Carolina fan expresses excitement about the possibility of another championship - South Carolina WBB on IG

"Loading🏆 ............"

An IG user suggests the Gamecocks will win a national championship - South Carolina WBB on IG

"These beautiful birdies have the look of champions💍🏆🏀🙏🏾🤙🏽"

A comment says the new South Carolina players look like champions- South Carolina WBB on IG

Others pointed out which new players they're most excited to see.

"I think McDowell is going to shock a lot of people. She's a gamer with great size and great feel for the game and she competes on both ends."

An IG user says McDowell will shock people- South Carolina WBB on IG

"Ayla and Agot about [to] be a huge problem."

A comment says South Carolina's incoming freshmen will be a problem for opponents- South Carolina WBB on IG

Some welcomed the new Gamecocks to the team and showed their support.

"We keep building, go Gamecocks👏👏🔥🙌🙏👑💪🏀🐔🐔🤙🤙"

"Look at these beautiful people. So excited for what's to come!❤️❤️❤️❤️"

"Welcome to the Fam Ladies!! Can't wait to support and yell loudly for all of you!!!❤️🔥"

Fans hype up new additions to the South Carolina squad- South Carolina WBB on IG

What Dawn Staley has to say about South Carolina's new additions

In South Carolina women's basketball's Instagram post, Staley reflected on what the Gamecocks are gaining with each new addition.

The veteran coach went to work in the transfer portal this offseason, picking up top transfer portal prospect Ta'Niya Latson and Bulldogs star Madina Okot. Latson comes to South Carolina with a list of accolades, having been named a second-team All-American and a three-time All-ACC selection. The star's 25.2 points per game this season led the nation.

"Ta'Niya's accomplishments speak for themselves," Staley said. "But, the beauty of her game is not just her ability to score. She has another superpower in her ability to set up her teammates to score, and that's just a dangerous combination for opposing teams. Ta'Niya is an incredible leader and more importantly a fierce competitor."

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South Carolina is getting an exceptional shooter in Okot. Last season, she shot 64.9%, the best in the SEC and fourth in the nation.

"Madina gives our frontcourt additional size and speed," Staley said. "She has the ability to score, rebound and defend, and her competitiveness and SEC experience are added bonuses."

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The Gamecocks have a great incoming class as well, gaining five-star recruits in Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell. Makeer played her final high school season at Montverde Academy and was praised by Staley for her size, speed and versatility.

"Agot is super talented and has an unlimited ceiling," Staley said.

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Staley pointed to McDowell's size, athleticism and defensive skills as strengths for the wing.

"A winner at every level, she moves the needle for her teams," Staley said.

Staley's squad has some exciting additions for next season that can hopefully help lead the team to a national championship.

About the author

Lindsey Ware is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over five years of experience working with publications such as The News & Observer, The Daily Tar Heel, Triangle Tribune and Cardiac Cane. She has also worked for Major League Baseball, The Holly Springs Salamanders, The Tri-City Chili Peppers, Tuffy Talk, Super Meteors Basketball, Just Good Network and Living Sport.

Lindsey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Journalism from UNC Chapel Hill. Her education allowed Lindsey to gain experience in sports communication, which she honed in internships. Other than being a storyteller and sports fanatic, Lindsey is also a social media and marketing specialist.

Her favorite college team is UNC, although she grew up a N.C. State fan as both of her parents are Wolfpack alumni. Michael Jordan was a huge deal in North Carolina when Lindsey was growing up, and after a summer spent at UNC’s Sports Journalism Camp back in high school, Lindsey was set on being a Tar Heel.

Lindsey's favorite college coach of all time is Roy Williams. During her time attending UNC Chapel Hill and writing for The Daily Tar Heel, Lindsey was lucky enough to meet and speak with Williams a few times. He was like a celebrity on UNC’s campus and was beloved for his coaching style and success with the Tar Heels, accumulating three NCAA championship titles in 18 years.

When not watching or writing about sports, Lindsey enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and spending time with my friends, family and dog. She also likes to journal, watch movies and paint.

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Edited by Ribin Peter