South Carolina Basketball: Thumbs up, thumbs down after Notre Dame win

Thumbs Up. Playing without the benefit of another big-time post player (Aliyah Boston) for the first time, Kamilla Cardoso proved that she still could be a dominant force. Once she got going, the Brazilian post player had a massive performance. No one from Notre Dame could match her physical presence. She played well next to power forwards like Ashlyn Watkins and Sania Feagin, she played well next to a small-ball 4/wing player like Chloe Kitts, and she played well in very small lineups in which Bree Hall and Sahnya Jah played a few minutes next to her. This could be a huge year for Kamilla Cardoso.. . South Carolina Gamecocks. DOMINANT KAMILLA CARDOSO

South Carolina basketball fans, especially those from Columbia, knew that MiLaysia Fulwiley was special. However, no one quite expected what she was able to do in Game 1 of her college career. A stat-stuffing performance would have been more than enough, but when one considers the highlight reel that she put together on Monday, the sky is the limit for Fulwiley.. . South Carolina Gamecocks. MARVELOUS MILAYSIA . Thumbs Up

Dawn Staley’s South Carolina basketball squad lost a lot of talent from last year’s team, but the returners showed they were ready to fill the void. Kamilla Cardoso was expected to be ready as a major contributor last season, but the confident showings from Raven Johnson, Bree Hall, Chloe Kitts, and Ashlyn Watkins were huge for the team. Kitts showed a little nerves early but settled down, and Johnson and Watkins had really nice games. Hall was a useful player and looked as comfortable as she ever has in a Gamecock uniform; if the shot starts falling for her, she will be in for a really nice season.. . South Carolina Gamecocks. CONFIDENT RETURNERS . Thumbs Up