South Carolina women's basketball players were disrespected by the preseason poll's low ranking below LSU, Iowa, and UConn. Gamecocks guard Raven Johnson promised "revenge" on naysayers.
After losing to the Hawkeyes in the Final Four previous season, head coach Dawn Staley's team placed sixth in the nation. Johnson was the subject of a viral video in which opponent Caitlin Clark mocked her 3-point shooting.
Johnson witnessed Clark and LSU standout Angel Reese gain anticipation during the summer, while UConn hyped Paige Bueckers' ACL recovery. Johnson believes the Gamecocks can dominate this season.
South Carolina is unbeaten and No. 1, while LSU is in pandemonium after Reese's strange absence. Iowa and UConn lost early-season upsets.
"Going off from last season, the Final Four game, after we lost - the whole season I feel like everybody was riding our coattails, just hyping us up," Johnson said today.
"I claimed this was a revenge season and have something for every team that comes up. I think that was my best experience, and God does things for a reason. Maybe I needed that. This team is coming for a lot. No doubt, revenge season."
South Carolina has thrashed its opponents in 2023-24's first three games. The Gamecocks have scored 323 points in three games, their most ever. Their wins included two over rated opponents.
Staley, who just won her 200th game at the school, has balanced her team, while MiLaysia Fulwiley's flair has garnered national attention. Five players score at least 10 points per game. The club is #1 in the nation with 29.7 assists per game.