With two more top-5 tests coming ahead, South Carolina remains at the top of the NET rankings.

South Carolina’s continued dominance at the top of the NCAA Women’s Basketball NET rankings speaks volumes about the program’s consistency and excellence under head coach Dawn Staley. As of February 2025, the Gamecocks remain at the pinnacle, despite the fierce competition from other powerhouse programs. With two crucial top-5 matchups coming up, the pressure on South Carolina intensifies, but their ability to handle adversity is well-documented. Let’s dive into what makes South Carolina a force to be reckoned with, what the NET rankings mean, and how the team is positioning itself for a successful postseason run.

What is the NET Ranking?

The NCAA Women’s Basketball NET (NCAA Evaluation Tool) ranking is a metric used by the NCAA selection committee to assess and evaluate teams. It considers several key factors such as a team’s overall performance, strength of schedule, quality wins, and away-game results. It is used to help determine the tournament field and seeding. The NET ranking is highly regarded because it provides an up-to-date reflection of a team’s standing based on actual results, without overemphasizing historical reputation or perceptions.

The NET system relies on data points like scoring margin, opponent strength, and where games are played (home, away, neutral). The goal is to evaluate teams in an objective, data-driven manner, allowing for more accurate seeding and better representation of team strength across the nation.

South Carolina’s Road to the Top

South Carolina’s rise to the top of the rankings hasn’t been a fluke. Head coach Dawn Staley has built a program that combines fierce defense, high basketball IQ, and a system that makes the most of every player’s talents. With a history of producing WNBA-caliber talent, South Carolina is not only a dominant force in college basketball but also a beacon for future stars of the sport. Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that have contributed to their rise to the top and sustained excellence.

1. Dawn Staley’s Leadership and Coaching Philosophy

Dawn Staley has transformed South Carolina into a national powerhouse. Since taking over in 2008, she has led the Gamecocks to multiple SEC titles, Final Four appearances, and a national championship in 2017. Staley’s approach is built on creating a strong defensive foundation while still giving players the freedom to showcase their offensive skills.

Her teams are known for their relentless press defense, fast-break transitions, and unselfish ball movement on offense. Under her guidance, players have developed into well-rounded athletes who can adapt to any situation, which is crucial in high-stakes matchups like the upcoming top-5 games.

2. Star Players and Depth

South Carolina has become synonymous with elite players, and 2025 is no exception. Their roster is a mixture of seasoned veterans and explosive newcomers who can all make an impact on both ends of the court.

Key players like Aliyah Boston (a 6’5″ forward) have been instrumental in the team’s success. Boston, a dominant force in the paint, is a candidate for multiple awards in 2025, and she provides a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Her rebounding, scoring, and defensive presence give South Carolina an edge in nearly every game.

In addition to Boston, the Gamecocks’ roster also features dynamic guards and forwards who complement each other well. Whether it’s hitting clutch three-pointers or driving to the basket, South Carolina has the weapons to beat any team. The mix of star power and depth is a critical element in why they have been able to sustain their No. 1 ranking.

3. Recruiting Excellence

Recruiting is another major factor in South Carolina’s sustained success. Staley and her staff have recruited at an elite level, consistently bringing in some of the best talent in the nation. In 2025, the Gamecocks continue to have one of the most talented rosters, with an emphasis on both skill and character.

This recruiting prowess has allowed South Carolina to develop a team that doesn’t just rely on one or two players to carry them; they have multiple options at every position. This depth ensures that the team can remain competitive even in the face of adversity, as they can adjust their lineups to suit specific matchups.

4. Winning Big Games

South Carolina has earned its place at the top by not shying away from challenges. One of the most telling factors in their success is how they perform in big games. Whether it’s taking down top-ranked opponents in non-conference play or dominating during the SEC season, South Carolina has consistently delivered when it matters most.

For example, their recent wins against ranked SEC foes and power conference teams demonstrate their ability to thrive under pressure. Their strong performances against top-tier competition have solidified their position at the top of the NET rankings. These are the kinds of victories that carry weight when the selection committee starts evaluating teams for postseason play.

The Importance of the Upcoming Top-5 Matchups

Despite South Carolina’s impressive resume, the next two games are pivotal in securing their top spot and potentially enhancing their overall tournament positioning. Both games are against top-5 opponents, and the outcomes will have significant implications for the rest of the season.

1. Impact on NET Rankings

The NET rankings consider factors like strength of schedule and quality wins, and victories against top-5 teams are highly valuable. South Carolina’s upcoming games will provide a chance to bolster their résumé and further solidify their place at the top. A win in either or both games would demonstrate their ability to compete with the best, while a loss could lead to a slight drop in the rankings. However, given their overall dominance this season, they are well-positioned to absorb a potential loss without a significant drop.

2. Preparation for the NCAA Tournament

With the NCAA tournament looming, these games offer an opportunity for South Carolina to sharpen their skills against elite competition. Facing other top-ranked teams will challenge their defense, push their offensive sets to new heights, and test the depth of their roster. These games will serve as valuable preparation for the tournament, ensuring that they are battle-tested when it’s time for March Madness.

3. Mental and Emotional Fortitude

Top-5 matchups often come with an added emotional intensity. For teams like South Carolina, which has already achieved so much this season, these games are not just about strategy—they’re about mindset. How the Gamecocks handle the pressure, manage expectations, and perform under the spotlight will reveal whether they are truly ready to defend their position as national champions.

South Carolina’s Path to the Postseason

Despite the high stakes of these upcoming games, it’s important to remember that South Carolina is not only focused on staying at the top of the rankings. Their main goal is to build momentum for the postseason. Here’s what they need to keep in mind:

1. Staying Healthy and Rested

With such a demanding schedule and the intensity of the upcoming top-5 games, it’s crucial for South Carolina to manage their players’ health. Coach Staley will need to ensure that her stars, like Boston, remain healthy, rested, and in peak condition for the postseason.

2. Team Chemistry and Focus

As the postseason approaches, South Carolina will need to maintain a strong team dynamic. They must continue to play with the unselfishness and energy that has defined them so far. They’ve shown this season that they have the chemistry to take down any opponent, but that will be tested even further in the coming games.

3. Postseason Experience

South Carolina has an advantage in postseason experience. With multiple deep runs in the NCAA tournament in recent years, they know what it takes to make a run at the championship. The upcoming games provide an excellent opportunity to continue building that mental fortitude and postseason readiness.