South Carolina Gamecocks Women’s Basketball Stars Shine in First Week of WNBA Season, Continuing Their College Legacy on the Court

The first week of the WNBA season brought more than just a return to elite professional women’s basketball—it showcased the ongoing legacy of the South Carolina Gamecocks. With a growing list of alumni making waves at the next level, Dawn Staley’s program continues to prove it’s not just dominant in the college ranks, but also a pipeline to success in the pros. Week 1 of the 2025 WNBA season featured several former Gamecocks not only suiting up, but standing out for their respective teams, signaling that the Gamecocks’ championship culture is alive and well in the league.

A’ja Wilson, one of South Carolina’s most iconic players and the face of the Las Vegas Aces franchise, picked up right where she left off. The two-time WNBA MVP delivered a statement performance in the season opener, pouring in 27 points with 12 rebounds and 3 blocks. Her presence in the paint remains dominant, but what stands out even more is her leadership. Wilson orchestrated defensive switches, ignited fast breaks with timely rebounds, and brought calm to clutch situations. Her continued development as a vocal leader and clutch scorer makes her not just the best player on her team, but arguably the most valuable in the league.

Rookie Sania Feagin, fresh off her national championship run with South Carolina, made her professional debut with the Los Angeles Sparks. Though her stat line was modest—5 points, 4 rebounds, and a block—her impact went beyond the numbers. Feagin showed poise in the post, set solid screens, and displayed defensive instincts that caught the attention of analysts. Her transition to the WNBA may take some time, but early signs suggest she’ll find her rhythm and carve out a meaningful role in the frontcourt rotation.

Te-Hina Paopao, another Gamecock rookie who transferred from Oregon and played a key veteran role during her lone season in Columbia, debuted with the Atlanta Dream. Known for her sharpshooting and high basketball IQ, Paopao opened the season with a pair of three-pointers and 4 assists, showcasing the same steady hand that made her invaluable during South Carolina’s championship run. She played nearly 18 minutes in her first game and looked confident in pick-and-roll situations and spot-up opportunities. Her comfort in the Dream’s offense could lead to a larger role as the season progresses.

Elsewhere in the league, Allisha Gray continues to be a model of consistency for the Atlanta Dream. The former Gamecock standout averaged 15 points per game over the first week and showed her typical two-way brilliance. Gray, one of the most versatile guards in the league, contributed defensively with deflections and quick closeouts while also serving as a secondary playmaker. Her ability to seamlessly shift between roles—scorer, facilitator, defender—has been key to Atlanta’s early-season momentum.

Brionna Jones, now fully recovered from the Achilles injury that ended her 2023 season, returned to action for the Connecticut Sun and immediately made her presence felt. A dominant force inside, Jones used her strength and footwork to earn high-percentage looks near the basket. She averaged 11 points and 6 rebounds across two games while working her way back into game shape. The Sun have made it clear they plan to lean heavily on Jones as the season continues, and her early contributions are an encouraging sign.

Laeticia Amihere, entering her second year with the Atlanta Dream, showed growth in her court awareness and defensive instincts. In limited minutes, Amihere provided energy, blocked shots, and grabbed key offensive rebounds. Her offensive game remains a work in progress, but the flashes of potential—particularly her ability to guard multiple positions and run the floor—are what continue to earn her valuable rotation minutes.

Zia Cooke, now with the Los Angeles Sparks, continues to battle for more consistent playing time but made the most of her opportunities in Week 1. The guard provided a spark off the bench with her relentless energy and willingness to attack the rim. While still adjusting to the speed and spacing of the WNBA, Cooke remains fearless, just as she was during her college days. The Sparks value her as a change-of-pace guard, and as she grows into her role, Cooke’s scoring instincts and competitive fire could make her a difference-maker.

Ty Harris, another key name from the Dawn Staley era, had a strong opening week as the backup point guard for the Connecticut Sun. Harris, known for her calm demeanor and high assist-to-turnover ratio, provided a steady hand off the bench. She posted 7 points and 5 assists in her season debut and drew praise for her ability to control the tempo. Harris remains one of the league’s most dependable backup point guards, and her experience continues to be a valuable asset for the Sun’s second unit.

The performances of these South Carolina alumni highlight a broader theme: the WNBA is increasingly populated with former Gamecocks who bring championship experience, toughness, and high basketball IQ to the professional ranks. What Dawn Staley has built in Columbia doesn’t stay in Columbia—it travels with her players, carrying over into locker rooms and huddles across the league. That Gamecock DNA, built on defense, selflessness, and an unrelenting drive to win, is evident in the way these athletes carry themselves on and off the floor.

In conversations with reporters, several South Carolina alumni referenced their time under Staley as the foundation for their WNBA readiness. A’ja Wilson, during a postgame interview, credited Staley for instilling a “pro mindset” that goes beyond practice reps. “She taught us how to be leaders, how to be professionals, and how to embrace pressure,” Wilson said. “That’s not something that clicks overnight. It’s something you carry with you every game.”

Similarly, rookies like Sania Feagin and Te-Hina Paopao have spoken about how playing under the microscope of a national powerhouse like South Carolina prepared them for the spotlight of the WNBA. The expectations, the pressure, the big-game atmosphere—they’ve lived it before. Now, they’re applying it to the professional stage.

The Gamecocks’ influence also extends to WNBA fan bases. South Carolina supporters have become among the most passionate and vocal in the country, and many have followed their favorite players into the league. Aces games often see fans wearing Wilson’s South Carolina jersey, and in Atlanta, the presence of multiple Gamecock players has bolstered local interest and support. The crossover between college and pro fandom is one of the league’s growing assets, and South Carolina is at the center of that bridge.

There’s also the matter of identity. Gamecock players are known for their grit and their willingness to do the dirty work—traits that often go underappreciated but are vital to winning. Whether it’s Amihere chasing down a loose ball, Gray taking on the opponent’s best perimeter scorer, or Jones battling for post position, the little things are big things. And those little things are exactly what the Gamecocks were trained to value.

As the season continues, all eyes will remain on how these South Carolina players grow into their roles and elevate their teams. For the rookies, the goal is to gain experience, earn trust, and adapt to the physicality and speed of the WNBA. For veterans like Wilson and Gray, it’s about chasing championships and cementing legacies. And for fans of the Gamecocks, it’s about watching a familiar style of play and a shared spirit that’s now spread across the league.

Week 1 was only the beginning, but it sent a clear message: South Carolina isn’t just a college basketball power—it’s a professional factory. With every rebound, assist, and hustle play, Gamecock alumni continue to raise the standard and prove that the Staley era’s success is no fluke. The WNBA is better with them in it, and if Week 1 was any indication, they’re just getting started.