Skip to main content
Garnet and Cocky
Fansided

3 South Carolina Gamecocks named to Naismith Trophy Preseason Watchlist

The Gamecocks open the 2026-27 season against Maryland in Paris.
ByMorgan Moriarty
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on Reddit
Google Discover
Apr 3, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Joyce Edwards (8) against the UConn Huskies during the semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Apr 3, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Joyce Edwards (8) against the UConn Huskies during the semifinal of the Final Four of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team is set to open the 2026-27 season in Paris, France against the No. 20 Maryland Terrapins. The expectations are high for Dawn Staley's team, as the Gamecocks made it to the national championship last season, falling short against UCLA in the title game. 

But before the season begins, several national watch lists have been released, and there are a trio of Gamecocks included in the Naismith Trophy National Player of the Year Preseason Watch List for the 2026-27 season, which is tied for the most of any program. 

Included in the watch list is fifth-year forward Chloe Kitts, junior guard Joyce Edwards as well as senior guard Tessa Johnson. The watch list includes 50 players, and there are a total of 12 SEC players on the list. 

Other names on the list that Gamecock fans will recognize include star LSU Tigers guard MiLaysia Fulwiley, as well as Tigers Jada Williams and Mikaylah Williams. Other SEC players on the list are Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes as well as Texas Longhorns guard Madison Booker and Kentucky star Clara Stack.  

South Carolina enters the 2026-27 season with some pretty big expectations. This looks like one of head coach Dawn Staley's most talented rosters she had had in Columbia in quite awhile. In addition to Kitts, Edwards and Johnson, the roster also includes the likes of Texas transfer Jordan Lee, returning forward Alicia Tournebize and French star Justine Loubens. The Gamecocks also will have freshmen Oliviyah Edwards and Kelsi Andrews 

The Naismith Trophy Player of the Year goes to the most outstanding women's basketball player each season. Congrats to all three South Carolina players on being nominated for the award! The Gamecocks will play Maryland on Monday, Nov. 2.

ALSO READ: Allisha Gray, former Gamecocks looking to bring WNBA title to Atlanta Dream

Add us as a preferred source on Google
Home/South Carolina Basketball