Dawn Staley's eyes can spot basketball talent from a mile, given her years of experience, and she had some encouraging words about South Carolina’s newest addition, Alicia Tournebize.

The 18-year-old French native has now played two games in the Gamecocks jersey, and HC Staley has already identified her standout trait.

Speaking about Tournebize, Staley said, "She may not know everything that's going on out there, but she's willing to be out there, she's unafraid. Her number's called, she is popping up and wants to get in the basketball game."

Staley also appreciated her team for effectively "acclimating" Tournebize. The French player made her debut on January 15 in South Carolina’s 68-65 win over Texas. She played just 5 mins and had an empty box score.

However, the 18-year-old added to her stat line 3 days later in a game versus Coppin State, scoring 8 points, 1 steal, 1 block, and 1 rebound in 13 minutes. The Gamecocks won in a lopsided 90-48.

Well, Tournibize's performance in these two matches has earned her more than just appreciation from the Gamecocks HC. Even her teammates saw her strengths on the court.

Dawn Staley and a Gamecocks Player Had More to Say About Alicia Tournebize

Tournebize's performance in the two matches got the Gamecocks sophomore, Joyce Edwards, praising her. Edwards said, "She's smart, like she catches on to things fast. Her defense is great. Offensively, she can shoot, she can space the floor out...I'm just excited to see her out there playing."

Coach Staley also expressed her wish to use her regularly. According to her, Tournebize had the capacity to be someone who could "move the needle."

She mentioned, "We’ll keep throwing her in it,” Staley has said about her role in the Gamecocks team. “She’ll keep getting the opportunity to play. So I do think she can move the needle for us at some point."

The Gamecocks' next test is against the league's No. 16, Oklahoma, on January 23. Do you think Tournebize will get to start the match, or will Staley bring her on later?

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Souvik Roy