Triple Crown Moment: South Carolina Women’s Hoops Shines Bright as Three Gamecocks Selected in 2025 WNBA Draft, Marking Historic Night for the Program
The night of the 2025 WNBA Draft was nothing short of historic for South Carolina women’s basketball. Under the dazzling lights and buzzing atmosphere of the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, three Gamecock stars heard their names called, each fulfilling lifelong dreams while collectively elevating the legacy of a program that has come to symbolize excellence, resilience, and dominance on the national stage. For a university steeped in tradition and pride, this moment wasn’t just a celebration of individual success—it was a coronation of a culture Dawn Staley has carefully and powerfully built, brick by brick, over the years.
South Carolina’s achievement in having three players selected in a single WNBA Draft is a rare feat. It marks only the third time in program history that multiple Gamecocks were drafted in the same year, and the moment underscores the program’s sustained ability to develop elite-level talent, not just capable of competing at the highest level, but thriving in it. For the young women who represent the garnet and black, this wasn’t simply about walking across the stage in elegant attire with beaming smiles and shaking the commissioner’s hand—it was about carrying with them the legacy of all who came before and leaving a trail blazing for all who will come next.
The first Gamecock to be drafted was senior forward Amari Johnson, taken fourth overall by the Indiana Fever. A versatile, high-IQ player known for her footwork, passing ability, and relentless motor, Johnson’s selection came as no surprise to anyone familiar with her college resume. She was the heart and soul of South Carolina’s frontcourt over the past two seasons, combining elite defense with a burgeoning offensive game that flourished under pressure. In post-draft interviews, Fever General Manager Lin Dunn called Johnson “a game-changer who plays with the poise of a veteran and the hunger of a rookie.” Johnson becomes the latest in a growing list of elite forwards developed under Staley, continuing a tradition that includes names like A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston.
Moments later, with the 10th overall pick, the Las Vegas Aces selected sharpshooting guard Kiana Bradley. Known for her deep range and clutch shooting, Bradley’s presence on the perimeter made her a nightmare for opposing defenses in the SEC. Her ability to stretch the floor, coupled with improved defense and maturity in her decision-making, made her a hot commodity heading into draft night. In Vegas, she’ll be joining a championship-caliber team and learning from seasoned stars like Chelsea Gray and Kelsey Plum. It’s an opportunity that could supercharge her development and allow her to contribute to a dynasty in the making. For Bradley, this moment is the culmination of a journey that began in small-town Georgia, overcoming injury setbacks and personal adversity to become one of the most lethal shooters in the country.
Rounding out the night for South Carolina was senior point guard Nia Wallace, who was selected with the 18th overall pick by the Seattle Storm. Wallace is widely respected across the women’s basketball community for her floor leadership, court vision, and tenacity. While not the flashiest name in the draft, Wallace’s basketball IQ, calm under pressure, and ability to lead by example made her a valuable asset to South Carolina throughout her tenure. Seattle’s head coach Noelle Quinn emphasized Wallace’s “coach-on-the-floor” qualities and hinted at her potential role mentoring young guards already on the Storm’s roster. For Wallace, the selection represented a dream realized and an opening to prove she belongs in one of the league’s most storied franchises.
Behind each of these selections lies the unwavering influence of head coach Dawn Staley. The Hall of Fame coach has made it her mission to turn South Carolina into a powerhouse, and nights like these reflect just how far the program has come. Under her watch, the Gamecocks have developed a blueprint for sustained success: recruit high-character athletes, instill a defensive-first mentality, and never compromise on discipline or preparation. The success of Johnson, Bradley, and Wallace in reaching the professional ranks is a reflection not only of their individual work ethics but also of a system that constantly demands—and rewards—excellence.
For Gamecock fans, the 2025 WNBA Draft served as both a farewell and a celebration. There’s always a bittersweet element to watching beloved stars move on, but there’s also immense pride in seeing them carry the University of South Carolina name to the professional stage. As each name was called, social media lit up with congratulatory messages from fans, former players, and current teammates. The hashtag #GamecocksInTheWNBA trended nationally for several hours, a testament to the emotional investment the South Carolina community has in its women’s basketball program.
These players’ selections are also part of a broader narrative in the rise of the women’s game. With increased media coverage, better salaries, and deeper fan engagement, the WNBA continues to grow in prestige and power. South Carolina’s pipeline to the league strengthens that evolution, as each new draftee brings with her not just skills but also star power, charisma, and a hunger to win. Amari Johnson, Kiana Bradley, and Nia Wallace are not just rookies—they’re torchbearers for a generation that grew up watching the likes of Lisa Leslie, Sue Bird, and Tamika Catchings, and now get the chance to shape the future of the game themselves.
Back in Columbia, the celebrations extended beyond social media. Watch parties turned into mini-reunions, alumni reconnected in celebration, and students flooded The Horseshoe with cheers and chants as the draftees were announced. University President Michael Amiridis issued a statement praising the athletes, their families, and the coaching staff, highlighting their contributions not only to sports but also to the university’s broader culture of achievement. “What these young women have done goes beyond the court,” he said. “They have represented the University of South Carolina with distinction, courage, and excellence. We are proud of them and excited for what lies ahead.”
As the draft fades into memory, the next chapter begins for Johnson, Bradley, and Wallace. They’ll soon report to training camps, adapt to new cities, compete against the world’s best, and navigate the demands of being professional athletes. The transition from college to the WNBA is never easy—rosters are tight, expectations are immense, and the competition is unforgiving—but if there’s one thing South Carolina has consistently produced, it’s prepared, fearless competitors. The trio’s shared experience of battling through the SEC gauntlet, participating in March Madness, and thriving under the intense spotlight of national expectations has given them a foundation few others can claim.
Their journey also brings new visibility to South Carolina’s recruiting message. Prospective high school stars watching the draft now see South Carolina not just as a place to win titles, but as a legitimate springboard to professional success. That perception can only grow stronger with each passing year, especially with Coach Staley continuing to recruit and develop top-tier talent. The long-term implications of this year’s draft could be felt in the next recruiting cycle and well beyond.
In many ways, the 2025 WNBA Draft stands as a snapshot of everything South Carolina women’s basketball has become: elite, consistent, unshakably confident, and fiercely united. It is a program that produces not just basketball players, but leaders, role models, and agents of change. Each of the three draftees carries with her a unique story—of overcoming doubt, silencing critics, and breaking through glass ceilings—and together they serve as proof that the path from Columbia to the WNBA is not only possible but increasingly inevitable for those willing to do the work.
In a league that is itself fighting for broader recognition and respect, the infusion of South Carolina’s latest talent feels both timely and impactful. These women bring with them not just skill sets that will benefit their teams but also the confidence and charisma to help elevate the entire WNBA experience. Whether it’s Johnson patrolling the paint in Indiana, Bradley lighting it up from deep in Vegas, or Wallace orchestrating the tempo in Seattle, Gamecock Nation will be watching, cheering, and celebrating every step.
Ultimately, this draft wasn’t just a win for the individual players or the university—it was a win for women’s basketball. It showed what’s possible when talent meets opportunity, when preparation aligns with purpose, and when a program commits wholeheartedly to the development of its athletes. As the 2025 WNBA season approaches, all eyes will be on these three Gamecocks, not just to see what they do on the court, but to witness how they carry the spirit of South Carolina into a new, professional era.
