Ahead of the NCAA women’s basketball national championship matchup between South Carolina and UConn, Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley voiced her concerns about the overwhelming media focus on UConn star Paige Bueckers. Staley expressed frustration with how the narrative surrounding the game seemed to revolve primarily around Bueckers, warning that such one-sided attention could affect the balance and fairness of the coverage and even the game itself.
Staley acknowledged Bueckers’ talent and impact on women’s basketball but felt that the intense spotlight on her legacy overshadowed what South Carolina had achieved throughout the season. The Gamecocks were undefeated heading into the championship, with a strong roster and a chance to make history themselves. Staley believed that the disproportionate media attention not only undermined her team’s accomplishments but also created an unfair playing field.
“It puts us at a disadvantage,” Staley said, noting how storylines heavily tilted toward one player or one program can shape public perception and potentially influence the overall atmosphere of the event. She emphasized that while individual stars like Bueckers deserve recognition, teams like South Carolina — with a complete and dominant season — also deserve equal respect and coverage.
Staley’s comments highlighted her desire to protect and uplift her players, making sure their efforts weren’t lost in the shadow of another narrative. With the championship on the line, she wanted the focus to remain on team excellence rather than being reduced to a star-centric storyline, reminding the public that South Carolina was making history in its own right.
