South Carolina's new recruit, Alicia Tournebize, is already making waves. While coach Dawn Staley is impressed, a former teammate has revealed exactly what makes the French star a special talent.

The Greenville News received an email on January 28, 2026, from Kariata Diaby. The 6-4 Center and Tournebize’s former teammate from Tango Bourges Basket explained why the recruit is an excellent fit for the roster.

“Alicia learns very quickly. Over the year she joined the first team of Bourges, she has proven that she has her place among us," Diaby told The Greenville News. “For her first season, she was observant, given her age, which is quite normal, but over time she will become a great player and very complete on all levels,” she added.

Tournebize did not hit the floor right away for South Carolina either. She arrived in Colombia on 1 January but started playing from 15. In that time, she observed the Gamecocks playing 3 matches from the sidelines. It was against Texas that she played her first game in a South Carolina jersey.

"She is able to counter and outsmart the opponent on defense... It's complicated to score against her. She is a player who manages to do everything on the court, whether it is near or far from the rim," Diaby added.

The Gamecocks are already in good shape with players like Madina Okot, Ta’niya Latson, and Joyce Edwards on the roster. But Diaby said that Tournebize’s ability to score and block while operating from the midrange and 3-point line will max out the Gamecocks’ play. And the South Carolina HC agrees.

Dawn Staley’s Take on Alicia Tournebize

"I like that she's unafraid," Staley said about Tournebize on January 21. It was after she played and scored against the State Eagles.

"She may not know everything that's going on out there, but she's willing to be out there, she's unafraid," said Staley.

"I do think she really understands basketball, and I do think we can probably get a little bit better with our high-low and our ability to shoot on the perimeter from that position, just got to get her continue to get it acclimated," she added.

The 18-year-old from France has played 4 games so far and is averaging 4.3 points and 1.3 rebounds while shooting 50% from the field and hitting the rest from beyond the 3-point arc. The 6’7 forward scored 8 points in 13 minutes against Coppin State on January 18. She then scored 9 points against Oklahoma on January 23.

While Diaby and Staley gave thier stamp of approval, fans may see it in real-time when the Gamecocks take on the Auburn Tigers on January 29. How do you think Tournebize will do? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi