Gamecock Greats Shine in the WNBA
The WNBA season has come to a close, and it was an eventful one for the former South Carolina Gamecocks who have made their mark in the professional league. From standout performances to career-defining moments, these Gamecock alumni have continued to showcase their talent and dedication on the national stage.Gamecock Greats Soar in the WNBA
Atlanta Dream: Laeticia Amihere and Allisha Gray
Laeticia Amihere's second season with the Atlanta Dream was a mixed bag, as the young forward struggled to make significant strides in her development. Despite the team's overall disappointment, Amihere's resilience and potential remain evident. The Dream's coaching change could provide a fresh start for the Canadian international, who will look to make a bigger impact during her offseason stint in Australia.On the other hand, Allisha Gray emerged as a consistent bright spot for the Dream. The versatile guard solidified her status as a franchise cornerstone, averaging a career-high 15.6 points per game. Gray's all-around contributions and leadership will be crucial as the Dream navigate an uncertain offseason and chart a new course for the future.Chicago Sky: Kamilla Cardoso
Kamilla Cardoso's rookie season with the Chicago Sky was marked by both promise and adversity. The towering center missed the beginning and end of the season due to a shoulder injury, but when healthy, she showcased her defensive prowess and earned a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team. Cardoso's partnership with fellow standout Angel Reese formed a formidable frontcourt duo, and her continued development will be a key focus for the Sky as they look to rebound from a disappointing campaign.Connecticut Sun: Ty Harris and Tiffany Mitchell
Ty Harris took a significant step forward in her transformation from a pass-first point guard to a clutch shooter for the Connecticut Sun. Her increased scoring output and playmaking abilities made her a valuable asset, and she is poised to be a cornerstone of the Sun's roster moving forward. Meanwhile, Tiffany Mitchell's season was cut short due to a serious medical issue, as she developed sepsis from abscesses in her stomach. The free agent will look to regain her health and return to the court in the coming season.Indiana Fever: Aliyah Boston and Victaria Saxton
Aliyah Boston's sophomore campaign with the Indiana Fever was nothing short of impressive. The reigning Rookie of the Year continued to showcase her dominant two-way presence, averaging a double-double and cementing her status as a rising star in the league. The Fever's future looks bright with Boston leading the charge, and her offseason plans do not include playing overseas.Victaria Saxton, on the other hand, struggled to find consistent playing time with the Fever, appearing in just nine games. As the team evaluates its roster for the upcoming season, Saxton's role and future with the franchise remain uncertain.Las Vegas Aces: A'ja Wilson
A'ja Wilson's 2023 WNBA season was nothing short of historic. The Las Vegas Aces superstar put together one of the greatest individual campaigns in league history, earning the MVP award with a dominant display of scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess. Wilson's performance was a testament to her relentless work ethic and her status as one of the premier players in the game. With the Aces facing a pivotal offseason, Wilson's continued leadership and excellence will be crucial as the team looks to retool and make another championship push.Los Angeles Sparks: Zia Cooke
Zia Cooke's sophomore season with the Los Angeles Sparks was a significant disappointment, as the former Gamecock struggled to find her footing and make a consistent impact. The Sparks' coaching change and the team's overall struggles only added to the uncertainty surrounding Cooke's future. However, the young guard will have the opportunity to rebound during her offseason stint in Australia, where she can regain her confidence and showcase her potential.Phoenix Mercury: Mikiah Herbert Harrigan
Mikiah Herbert Harrigan's return to the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury was a positive one, as the versatile forward carved out a productive role as a reserve. Her three-point shooting and defensive versatility were valuable assets for the Mercury, and she will look to build on this momentum during her offseason in Spain. As a reserved free agent, Herbert Harrigan's future with the team remains uncertain, but her performance this season has certainly raised her stock.Other Gamecock Standouts
Several other former South Carolina Gamecocks made their mark in the WNBA this season, despite facing various challenges. Brea Beal was waived by the Las Vegas Aces early in training camp, while Alaina Coates and Kaela Davis were unable to secure permanent roster spots with their respective teams. Destanni Henderson, on the other hand, showcased her talent during a brief stint with the Atlanta Dream, and she will look to build on that experience while playing in Turkey this offseason.The Gamecock alumni in the WNBA have continued to demonstrate the depth and quality of the South Carolina women's basketball program. From established stars like A'ja Wilson and Allisha Gray to promising young talents like Aliyah Boston and Kamilla Cardoso, these former Gamecocks have left an indelible mark on the professional game. As they embark on their offseason plans, the future remains bright for this talented group of Gamecock greats.
