Alright, it’s already starting—freshmen fever has hit Columbia. South Carolina women’s basketball just kicked off their 2025-26 practices, and, man, people are buzzing about these new kids. Head coach Dawn Staley’s rolling out two fresh faces: Ayla McDowell and Agot Makeer. If you’re wondering if all the recruiting hype was just hot air, nah, these two are out here proving it’s real.
Big Hype, No Pressure (Well, Maybe a Little)
McDowell and Makeer didn’t exactly sneak onto campus. Makeer’s the No. 6 prospect in her class—top-ten, that’s serious business. McDowell’s not far behind at No. 15. Both rocked the McDonald’s All-American gear to cap off high school. Expectations? Through the roof. But Staley, classic Dawn, doesn’t do over-the-top. Her take after day one? Super chill.
“They’re pretty good,” Staley said, grinning like she’s got a secret. “They listen, they fit in, and they’re smart as hell.”
Scoring Threats—Pick Your Flavor
Both guards stand 6’1”, but, honestly, they’re not clones. Makeer’s got that all-around, do-everything vibe—she’ll handle the rock, dish it, switch up spots, whatever. McDowell? Buckets. She’s a pure scorer, and the staff’s already drooling over her range. On the first day? They made it look easy.
“They can shoot. Like, really shoot,” Staley said, almost laughing. “Zero hesitation, and we need that.”
Gamecock fans still salty about MiLaysia Fulwiley bouncing? These two might just help you move on.
Not Your Regular Freshmen
What’s wild is, these aren’t your average “figuring it out” freshmen. McDowell played with Brazil’s national team (yes, with Kamilla Cardoso). Makeer’s been running with Team Canada for a minute. So, it’s not like they’re wide-eyed out there. Their reads are quick, they don’t freeze up, and they’re holding their own with the vets.
Vets Are Digging It
If you want the real tea, ask the returning squad. Raven Johnson, who’s seen it all, had zero hesitation:
“Their basketball IQ—I’ve never seen it from freshmen before,” Johnson said. “They fit in, they’re picking things up fast, and most of all, they just want to win.”
When the old heads are on board? That’s half the battle.
So, Where Do They Slot In?
Let’s not sugarcoat it—the backcourt’s packed. Johnson’s the boss, Ta’Niya Latson (FSU transfer, big get), Tessa Johnson raining threes, and Maddy McDaniel probably the first sub. Still, there’s a Fulwiley-sized hole for scoring, and Staley’s never shied away from giving young guns a shot if they’re up to it. McDowell and Makeer? They might just force her hand.
- Perimeter scoring? They got it.
- All-around hustle? Yep.
- Depth never hurts, especially when March gets weird.
Bottom line, don’t expect them to sit and watch. They’re coming for minutes.
The Vibe Check
Staley’s recruiting’s not just about stacking stars. She wants players who get the culture—defense, sharing the ball, winning ugly if you gotta. Early read? McDowell and Makeer buy in. They’re not just here for highlight reels—they want to fit in and compete.
Is it way too early to say how much they’ll play in the big games? Totally. But one thing’s clear: South Carolina’s got some shiny new weapons, and the rest of the SEC better pay attention.
TL;DR: The Gamecocks just plugged in two freshmen with wild potential—Ayla McDowell and Agot Makeer. International experience, confidence, and a whole lotta skill. Don’t be surprised if they’re making noise from jump street. This season’s gonna be fun.
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