Power Rankings for Women’s College Basketball: Will South Carolina’s depth help them win?

As the 2024-2025 Women’s College Basketball season progresses, the South Carolina Gamecocks are at the forefront of many conversations regarding the best teams in the country. Under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks have established themselves as perennial national title contenders, consistently ranking among the top teams in the nation. Their remarkable blend of talent, experience, and depth positions them as one of the favorites to win it all this season, but will their depth be enough to secure another championship?

South Carolina’s roster, filled with versatile players who can impact the game in multiple ways, has made them the team to beat in women’s college basketball. From established stars to emerging talent, their depth has been a significant factor in their dominance. As we assess the power rankings for the current season, South Carolina’s depth—particularly in their frontcourt and their ability to rotate players in and out seamlessly—emerges as a key point of discussion. But how will this depth play out in a competitive landscape filled with other powerhouse programs like UConn, LSU, and Stanford?

The Depth of South Carolina: A Key to Success

One of the defining features of South Carolina’s program under Dawn Staley has been its ability to maintain a balance of talent throughout its roster. Unlike some teams that rely heavily on a few star players, South Carolina boasts a deep rotation that includes elite players at nearly every position. This depth is one of the biggest advantages for the Gamecocks as they navigate the grueling schedule of the SEC and march toward another potential NCAA Tournament title.

At the forefront of this depth is Aliyah Boston, a former National Player of the Year and 2024 WNBA Draft prospect. Boston, a dominant force in the paint and an exceptional rebounder, anchors South Carolina’s frontcourt. While she remains one of the most recognizable players in college basketball, it is the depth around her that has allowed South Carolina to succeed even when facing teams with top-tier individual talent.

In the post-Boston era, the Gamecocks are set to lean heavily on Zia Cooke, one of the top guards in the country. Cooke is known for her scoring ability, particularly her ability to create her own shot. With an improved supporting cast around her, Cooke has the tools to elevate her game even further this season. As one of the most important players on the team, her ability to share the scoring load with the other playmakers on the team will be critical.

While Cooke and Boston are household names, it’s the contributions from role players and bench depth that give South Carolina a distinct advantage over other teams. Players like Brea Beal and Laeticia Amihere bring a combination of scoring, defense, and leadership to the table, ensuring that South Carolina can maintain its level of play even when their star players are resting. The Gamecocks’ ability to substitute players in and out without a significant drop in performance is a key differentiator in their bid for a national championship.

South Carolina also has exceptional post depth, with talented players like Brea Beal, Amihere, and Kierstyn Satterfield. These players can create mismatch problems for opposing defenses and provide key contributions both offensively and defensively. Their combination of size, athleticism, and skill makes South Carolina’s frontcourt arguably one of the most formidable in the country. Additionally, the Gamecocks’ depth is on display in their guard play, where players like Saniah Tyler and Olivia Thompson can step up to provide scoring or defensive energy off the bench when needed.

Comparing South Carolina’s Depth to Other Top Teams

While South Carolina’s depth makes them a formidable opponent, they aren’t the only team in the nation with a deep roster. Teams like UConn, LSU, and Stanford also feature impressive talent up and down their rosters, but South Carolina has a unique ability to rotate multiple players without sacrificing productivity.

• UConn, a perennial powerhouse in women’s college basketball, has continued to develop its talent pool, with a mix of experienced players and high-level recruits. However, while UConn’s depth is certainly strong, they rely heavily on standout players like Paige Bueckers and Aaliyah Edwards to carry the load. Their supporting cast is still strong, but if their stars are neutralized in key games, UConn might struggle to match South Carolina’s depth.
• LSU has emerged as one of the most dangerous teams in the country, largely due to the play of Angel Reese, a dominant forward who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. While LSU has a strong supporting cast, including Flau’jae Johnson, they don’t possess the same level of bench depth as South Carolina. LSU’s bench has shown flashes of brilliance, but the Tigers still rely on their top talent to play the bulk of the minutes, which can be problematic during long tournament runs.
• Stanford, led by Haley Jones and Cameron Brink, remains one of the most complete teams in women’s college basketball. Their blend of athleticism, skill, and basketball IQ makes them dangerous at any point in the season. However, the Cardinal’s depth is often a concern, particularly in terms of maintaining offensive firepower throughout the game. South Carolina’s ability to rotate players without losing momentum gives them an edge over Stanford in this aspect.

What makes South Carolina’s depth particularly challenging for these teams is the Gamecocks’ ability to dominate both sides of the ball with a diverse set of players. While other teams may rely on a few key players, South Carolina can rotate in high-level athletes who can contribute in various ways, making them unpredictable and difficult to defend against.

Why Depth Matters in College Basketball

Depth is often overlooked in favor of star power, but in the NCAA Tournament, it is one of the most crucial factors in determining a team’s success. During the course of a March Madness run, teams play multiple games in a short period, often against some of the best competition in the country. Teams that rely too heavily on one or two players can quickly find themselves worn out or facing problems if those players are off on any given night. In contrast, teams with greater depth can withstand injuries, foul trouble, or off shooting nights from their stars.

South Carolina’s ability to manage its rotations and have a deep bench to turn to in moments of need gives them a significant advantage over many of their rivals. The Gamecocks’ ability to stay fresh and consistently apply pressure on both sides of the ball is what separates them from other teams in the hunt for the national title.

Depth also plays a critical role in terms of defense. Teams like South Carolina, with their wealth of long, athletic defenders, can throw multiple defensive looks at their opponents and stay locked in on defense throughout the game. By constantly rotating in fresh players, South Carolina can maintain high energy levels on the defensive end, which is key to shutting down high-scoring offenses.

Will South Carolina’s Depth Be Enough to Win It All?

The big question for South Carolina as the season progresses is whether their depth will translate into success come NCAA Tournament time. While regular-season success is important, the March Madness format often brings out the best and worst in teams, and depth will be a deciding factor when the pressure is highest. South Carolina has the luxury of knowing that they can maintain their level of play throughout an entire game, which is crucial in the fast-paced, unpredictable nature of tournament play.

While there are plenty of elite teams in the mix this season, South Carolina has a unique combination of talent, coaching, and depth that could carry them through the toughest matchups. The key will be for Coach Dawn Staley to manage rotations effectively, keeping her players fresh without sacrificing the intensity and chemistry needed to win crucial games.

South Carolina’s depth will also be a major asset in the SEC Tournament, where the competition is fierce. The Gamecocks’ ability to rotate through multiple options without losing effectiveness will serve them well against the top-tier teams in the conference. Once they make it to the NCAA Tournament, their well-rounded roster gives them the flexibility to adjust to any style of play, making them even more dangerous.

Depth Could Be South Carolina’s Ticket to Another Title

In women’s college basketball, depth is not just a luxury—it is a necessity. South Carolina’s ability to maintain a high level of play across all positions, with multiple players who can step up when needed, makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the country. As we approach the 2025 NCAA Tournament, the Gamecocks’ depth will be a defining factor in their quest to secure another national championship.

With the SEC shaping up to be as competitive as ever, South Carolina’s ability to rotate players and maintain consistency throughout the season will be crucial to their success. Whether they can leverage their depth to take down other elite teams remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Gamecocks are poised to make a deep run, and their depth will play a significant role in getting them there.