Just thirteen games into the season, the South Carolina Gamecocks sit at No. 3 with a 12–1 record. Madina Okot, Adhel Tac, and Maryam Dauda are driving that success. And now Dawn Staley has added more talent to that roster.

The Hall of Fame coach announced that 6-foot-7 French pro Alicia Tournebize has signed a financial aid agreement. “Yes SIX SEVEN!!” Dawn Staley said. However, Tournebize won't join right away.

"The freshman forward will join the team following the holiday break and begin classes at the start of the Spring 2026 semester," read the official announcement.

She joins a frontcourt that already dominates, and Staley had nothing but praise for Tournebize. “Alicia has an incredible skill set and basketball IQ,” Staley said as per the official announcement.

“She has great touch around the rim, can shoot it out to the 3-point line, and is a shot blocker. We’re excited she and her family chose Columbia. The FAMS are going to love what she brings on and off the court," added Dawn Staley.

AT also shone on the international stage. During her time with France at the 2025 FIBA U18 EuroBasket, she averaged 12.1 points and 8.9 rebounds, both top-10 marks in the tournament, and earned All-Star Five honors. She finished strong with 19 points against Belgium, continuing a family legacy tied to elite basketball.

She worked her way through France’s powerhouse Tango Bourges program, from the U15 level to the pro roster this season. In league games, she made the most of her chances. Tournebize played about eight minutes a night and finished efficiently, knocking down over 53 percent of her shots. She announced herself early, too, scoring 12 points in just 12 minutes to open the season. Her efficiency jumped in EuroLeague action, where she hit 57.1 percent.

Tournebize is a massive addition for a team already ranked No. 3. And for Staley, this wasn’t the only gift waiting under the tree.

Dawn Staley added even more talent

South Carolina women’s basketball picked up another major win just before Christmas. Five-star guard Jerzy Robinson also announced her commitment to the Gamecocks. Ranking No. 5 in ESPN’s 2026 class, the Phoenix native chose South Carolina over UConn and LSU.

“When I visited South Carolina, I was already home,” Robinson told ESPN. The basketball athlete's connection with Dawn Staley runs deep. She was just 14 when she first met the coach. “I felt like this was where I needed to be for the next four years,” said Robinson.

Her game speaks for itself. Coming back from injury at Sierra Canyon, she’s averaging 15 points while shaking off the rust.

Written by

Ishika Ghosh

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi