The roar inside Colonial Life Arena was deafening. With just 90 seconds left in the first half, Adhel Tac battled through a wall of defenders, snatched a rebound, and muscled in a tough putback. She let out a scream that echoed across the court — not because of the score, but because of what it meant. After years of fighting through knee injuries, she was finally back.

Her teammates swarmed her. Fans erupted. It wasn’t a game-winner, but it felt like one.

From Sidelines to Spotlight

For nearly two years, Tac’s journey had been defined by rehab rooms and quiet perseverance. When she returned last season, she wasn’t herself — limited minutes, hesitant movement, and flashes of what once was. But this fall, something shifted. Her body caught up to her basketball mind, and her teammates took notice.

“Adhel is, from an intangible communication skills perspective, like Aliyah Boston,” said Coach Dawn Staley, referencing the Gamecocks legend. “Now her skill set is catching up to her awareness, and when those things meet, she’s going to be great for us.”

In South Carolina’s opener, Tac logged six rebounds in 15 minutes, a physical performance that showed her evolution from spectator to impact player.

Dauda’s Redemption Arc

Meanwhile, Maryam Dauda, once an Arkansas standout, is writing her own redemption chapter. Two seasons ago, she was one of the SEC’s best rim protectors, averaging 10.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and a league-leading 2.8 blocks per conference game. But after transferring to South Carolina, she struggled to adapt, averaging just 2.0 points on 32.1% shooting.

Despite the setbacks, Dauda never wavered. Her turning point came in last year’s SEC Tournament, where she outplayed Oklahoma All-American Raegan Beers — proof that her hard work was paying off.

“I’m proud of Maryam,” Staley said. “She gave up her summer to stay here and work out. The games are cleaner for her now — she can see and process things better.”

Dauda’s offseason grind in Columbia reshaped her confidence and conditioning. During exhibition play, she averaged 8.0 points and 2.5 rebounds, showing flashes of the McDonald’s All-American talent that once made her a top recruit.

For Dauda, the transformation isn’t just physical. “The confidence my teammates pour into me every day, it grows,” she said. “I just have to trust myself.”

A Frontcourt by Committee

With Chloe Kitts sidelined for the season, South Carolina’s frontcourt will rely heavily on rotation. Joyce Edwards, an All-American talent, anchors the starting lineup alongside Madina Okot, whose near double-double average last year makes her a potential first-round WNBA pick.

But it’s Tac and Dauda who provide the depth and energy that championship teams depend on.

“They’re defending and rebounding at a high rate,” Staley explained. “They’re aware of everything happening on the floor. Role players like them — that’s how you build depth.”

Sisterhood in the Paint

What’s striking about Tac and Dauda isn’t just their resilience — it’s their connection. They push each other, celebrate each other, and lift their team in every huddle.

“Adhel is such a good confidence booster,” Dauda said. “Even when she’s not in the play, she’s always talking, always helping. That energy lifts everyone.”

Tac’s communication, sharpened during her injury recovery, has become her superpower. She reads plays before they unfold, calls out rotations, and guides her teammates like a floor general in the post.

By combining Dauda’s renewed confidence and Tac’s leadership, the Gamecocks have found two anchors for a deep, balanced lineup — and two comeback stories that define the spirit of South Carolina basketball.

Looking Ahead

The next test comes Friday when South Carolina hosts Bowling Green, a matchup that offers both players another chance to build momentum. With their health restored and confidence soaring, Tac and Dauda are proving that perseverance pays off — and that no setback can silence determination.

For more on South Carolina’s roster and game analysis, visit ESPN’s South Carolina team page or On3’s Gamecock Central coverage.

“From the sidelines to the spotlight — South Carolina’s comeback queens rise again.”

In the world of South Carolina women’s basketball comeback stories, Adhel Tac and Maryam Dauda aren’t just returning players — they’re living proof that heart, hard work, and healing can turn any season around.