South Carolina vs Maryland: Who Will Dawn Staley Start in Paris? Our Predicted Starting Five Revealed

The countdown to the 2026–27 women’s college basketball season is almost over, and South Carolina is preparing for a major opening test against Maryland in Paris, France.

The No. 1-ranked Gamecocks will face the No. 20 Maryland Terrapins on Monday, November 2, at Adidas Arena. The matchup will officially open South Carolina’s new campaign, with Dawn Staley’s team expected to face an immediate challenge against a ranked opponent.

One of the biggest talking points ahead of the contest is the starting lineup. South Carolina has several talented players available, and Staley has different combinations she can use depending on the matchup.

Based on the team’s latest exhibition performance, however, there is a strong indication of which five players could receive the starting nod in Paris.

South Carolina’s Predicted Starting Five Against Maryland

South Carolina defeated Benedict 113–34 in its final exhibition game on October 23. The performance offered an important look at the team’s rotation before the regular season begins.

Staley opened that contest with Tessa Johnson, Agot Makeer, Jordan Lee, Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards. That combination is our predicted starting five for the Maryland matchup.

Here is a closer look at the five players.

1. Tessa Johnson – Guard

Tessa Johnson is one of the most experienced players in South Carolina’s backcourt. Her shooting ability and offensive decision-making make her an important part of the team’s perimeter attack.

She scored 17 points against Benedict, including three three-pointers, and also contributed four rebounds, three assists and five steals.

Johnson’s ability to create scoring opportunities from the perimeter could be particularly valuable against Maryland.

2. Agot Makeer – Guard

Agot Makeer is another player expected to feature prominently in the starting lineup.

Her defensive activity and versatility give South Carolina another option in the backcourt. She also provides the physical presence needed when facing opposing guards who can attack the basket.

Starting alongside Johnson and Jordan Lee would give the Gamecocks a balanced perimeter combination.

3. Jordan Lee – Guard

Jordan Lee brings additional backcourt experience after joining South Carolina from Texas.

Her ability to contribute as a scorer and perimeter defender gives Staley another valuable option. She started alongside Johnson and Makeer against Benedict, which makes her inclusion in the projected lineup a reasonable expectation.

The matchup against Maryland will provide another opportunity to assess how effectively she fits into South Carolina’s system.

4. Chloe Kitts – Forward

Chloe Kitts’ return is one of the significant developments for South Carolina this season.

After missing last season with an ACL injury, the forward returned to action against Benedict. She recorded eight points, seven rebounds and two assists in limited minutes.

Her size, rebounding and ability to contribute offensively could make her an important presence in the frontcourt.

South Carolina will benefit from having her available as she continues to regain her rhythm.

5. Joyce Edwards – Forward

Joyce Edwards completes our predicted starting five.

The talented forward has already established herself as an important offensive option for the Gamecocks. She scored 15 points against Benedict, shooting six of eight from the field.

Her scoring ability around the basket and physical presence should give South Carolina another dimension against Maryland.

Edwards could play a major role in determining how effectively the Gamecocks establish their inside game.

Players Who Could Make an Impact Off the Bench

Although the projected starting five appears relatively clear based on the latest exhibition, South Carolina has considerable depth.

Three players deserve particular attention.

Jerzy Robinson: The freshman delivered an impressive performance against Benedict, finishing with 17 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Her ability to contribute in several areas could earn her meaningful minutes.

Ashlyn Watkins: Watkins recorded nine points and 10 rebounds in her return to action. Her athleticism and defensive presence could provide an important boost in the frontcourt.

Alicia Tournebize: The French forward recorded 10 rebounds against Benedict. With the opening game taking place in Paris, her presence could attract additional attention from the local audience.

Maryland Will Present an Early Test for the Gamecocks

South Carolina will not have an easy opening assignment.

Maryland enters the contest ranked No. 20 nationally and has already recorded exhibition victories over Virginia Tech and North Carolina. The Terrapins defeated North Carolina 72–68 on October 24, giving them another positive result ahead of the Paris matchup.

For South Carolina, the game will provide an opportunity to evaluate its new combinations against a ranked opponent.

The Gamecocks have offensive depth, experienced players and several returning contributors. However, their ability to control the pace, defend the perimeter and establish themselves in the paint will be important against Maryland.

Our Final Starting Five Prediction

Based on the latest exhibition lineup, our prediction is:

Game: South Carolina vs Maryland
Date: November 2, 2026
Location: Adidas Arena, Paris, France
Tip-off: 12:00 PM ET
Broadcast: ESPN

This remains a projected lineup. Dawn Staley has not officially confirmed her starters for the Maryland game.

What Do You Think?

South Carolina supporters have plenty of reasons to be interested in this opening matchup.

Would you keep Tessa Johnson, Agot Makeer, Jordan Lee, Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards together in the starting five?

Or should Jerzy Robinson earn a starting opportunity after her impressive exhibition performance?

Share your predicted South Carolina starting five in the comments.

The official lineup announcement will settle the debate when the Gamecocks take the floor in Paris.