Podcast Summary: "Is South Carolina Destined to Return to the Title Game?"

Podcast: No Offseason: The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show
Hosts: Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant
Date: February 18, 2026

Overview

This episode explores the central question: Has South Carolina pivoted enough to return to the NCAA women’s basketball championship game? The hosts recap key news in women’s basketball—including WNBA free agency delays, Brianna Stewart’s EuroLeague plans, and the outcomes of Unrivaled’s 1v1 tournament—then break down South Carolina’s resilience, strategic adaptations, and individual standouts. The show closes with a Dawn Staley–themed Mad Libs game.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Women’s Basketball News Roundup

• Brianna Stewart Overseas

  • Stewart is returning to Fenerbahce in Turkey for the EuroLeague Final Six after playing with Unrivaled and dealing with injury last offseason.
  • This move highlights ongoing tensions and options for WNBA players amidst CBA negotiations.
  • Quote: “Just the idea that—hey, another [overseas] option continues to exist for WNBA players.” – Sabreena Merchant [04:54]

• Unrivaled Tournament Highlights

  • Chelsea Gray wins $200,000 in the 1v1 competition, more than her last WNBA season salary.
  • Expansion into Brooklyn signals Unrivaled’s growing impact.
  • Quote: “Congrats to Chelsea and…Unrivaled for continuing to expand their footprint.” – Sabreena Merchant [09:30]

• WNBA CBA Negotiations & Delays

  • No start date yet for free agency or expansion drafts (Portland Fire, Toronto Tempo).
  • Main holdup: gross vs. net revenue sharing.
  • Quote: “Where’s the urgency?” – Chantel Jennings [12:19]

• Integration at NBA All-Star Weekend

  • Minimal WNBA presence; loss of events like Shooting Stars noticed.
  • Quote: “I missed having them part of that.” – Sabreena Merchant [15:14]

2. NCAA Tournament Watch & Top 16 Seeds

• Committee’s First Top 16 Reveal
  • SEC and Big Ten dominate (6 teams each), Texas vs. Vanderbilt is a key story for a 1-seed.
  • Recent wins and head-to-heads weighed heavily, home-court advantage emphasized due to hosting rights.
  • Quote: “Recency matters.” – Chantel Jennings [17:09]
• Ongoing Seeding Debates
  • Significant movement expected; “written in pencil” until Selection Sunday [21:17].

3. South Carolina: Adapting, Surviving, and Thriving

a. Roster Challenges & Pivot

• Early season/preseason losses: Chloe Kitts, Ashlyn Watkins, and Malaysia Fulwiley (transfer).
• Smaller rotation forced more responsibility and opportunity for new faces.
• Quote: “…different challenge for Dawn Staley to have to rely on players more than she usually has.” – Sabreena Merchant [25:26]

b. Coaching Evolution & Flexibility

• Dawn Staley recognized for strategic adaptability—including utilizing pressing defenses unexpectedly (vs. Tennessee).
• Multiple lineup changes, integrating new and transfer players directly into significant roles.
  • “That’s the hallmark of South Carolina…they just show up in these moments.” – Chantel Jennings [29:06]

c. Key Individual Standouts

• Raven Johnson

  • Described as the team’s “bar for energy;” known for defense, playmaking, and expanding scoring role.
  • Quote: “Raven Johnson…has something in her that allows her to defend in a way that is not, I don’t know…it’s just not normal.” – Sabreena Merchant [31:45]
  • Notable Stat: Doubling her scoring average; shooting improvements from 3PT and FT.

• Tessa Johnson

  • Clutch shooting (4 first-half threes vs. LSU), especially vs. ranked opponents.
  • Quote: “…when they hit threes like this, they are so dangerous.” – Chantel Jennings [34:52]
  • Stat: 51.2% 3PT vs. ranked opponents.

• Joyce Edwards & Medina Okot (Frontcourt)

  • Eddie is on track to join elite company: the only other South Carolina player to average 20+ points under Staley is A’ja Wilson.
  • Okot's transformation into a dominant, mobile defensive force; thriving after unexpected frontcourt absences.
  • Quote: “The advantage that provides…I think it’s as good of a frontcourt in the country as any team.” – Sabreena Merchant [42:54]

d. Culture & Leadership

• Integration of multiple transfers and freshmen into high-leverage roles is unusual for South Carolina—speaks to program culture.
• Quote: “…the culture of stepping up…usually that happens your junior year; for some players now it happened Game 1.” – Chantel Jennings [46:13]
• South Carolina consistently “goes for it,” regardless of roster turnover.

4. Title Game Outlook: Is This Enough?

• Improvements in offensive efficiency (PPG +8, 3PT% +4).
• Roster is less deep but features more offensive flexibility; returners like Raven Johnson take on new leadership.
• Remaining question: Is three-point shooting volume and depth enough in critical late-game scenarios?
  • “If the paint gets congested or if they need threes...does it become Tessa or bust?” – Zena Keda [53:18]
• Hosts generally agree: South Carolina and UCLA are the two best threats to UConn, with all three programs leveling up.
• Quote: “The standard at South Carolina is…if you lose that final game, you have to reimagine what kind of team you can be next year.” – Sabreena Merchant [47:37]

5. Memorable Quotes and Moments

• "Yikes on a bike" – Chantel Jennings [43:15] (On the frontcourt challenges)
• “Go with your gut!” – Refrain during Mad Libs game [58:24]
• “Charmin. Toilet paper.” – The surprising nickname Dawn Staley gave A’ja Wilson [58:15]
• Fun Fact: Dawn Staley once wrote a 600-word NYT op-ed about her Mercedes Coupe [61:14]

Notable Segment Timestamps

• South Carolina Segment Begins: 23:57
• Raven Johnson Deep Dive: 30:18
• Frontcourt Discussion (Edwards/Okot): 39:40
• Title Game Projections: 49:21
• Dawn Staley Mad Libs Game: 56:36

Tone & Style

• Spirited, knowledgeable, conversational, supportive of women’s basketball.
• Mix of analysis, stats, anecdotes, and playful banter.

Conclusion

The hosts agree: South Carolina’s ability to adapt after unexpected roster losses—with dramatic improvement from key returnees, seamless integration of transfers/freshmen, and Staley’s willingness to adjust tactics—makes them resilient and dangerous. While UConn remains the prohibitive favorite, the Gamecocks have developed the depth and versatility to contend for a return to the title game. The only lingering doubt lies in whether their three-point shooting is sufficient for the highest-stakes moments. Expect the debate and shuffle in NCAA seeding and projections to continue up to Selection Sunday.

For fans and new listeners: This episode is an essential catch-up and deep-dive into the evolving storylines of the women’s basketball season, spotlighting why South Carolina—yet again—shouldn’t be counted out.