“Play the game as you should be played”

South Caroline women’s basketball has become one of the most important programs in college sports, and have earned some great praise from the NBA legend Alex English. The eight-time NBA All-Star and 1983 champion singled out Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks As an example of how sports need to be played.

English, originally from South Carolina and Hall of Famer, shared their thoughts during Thursday appearance on the “South Carolina” Podcasta with Matt Dowell. In an interview, he spoke about how much he enjoys watching women’s basketball, especially mentioning Gamecocks under Staley’s guidance.

“I probably watch more women’s basketball than men. I watch more male basketball during the playoffs. But I watch a woman’s game during the season because it’s a shorter season,” English said.

“And I think it is because of the many players on the faculties that came out, women’s players who are so talented. And a lot happened here in the USC -us Dawn Staley and the players she performed and all other players.

“But a woman’s game is like a NBA game may have been when I played. They are basically sound. They don’t still knock the ball. Some of them are, but they are just clean. They just play the game as if they should play.”

Under Staley, South Carolina built a dynasty in women’s basketball on college. Gamecocks won three national championships, all under Staley, the last of which was 2024. Tried to win state titles to return but lost to Ucon In the final of the NCAA 2025 tournament.

The program was on seven final fours under Staley, and they are one of the favorites moving in the 2025-26 season, showing how well they are led under the coach.

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Staley’s team hopes to go all the way for the fourth title, and they strengthened by signing the former Lsu Milaysia Fulwiley and leading national scorer last season Ta’niya Latson.