On January 2nd, the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team faced off against Missouri, and the Gamecocks left no room for doubt about their dominance. They secured an emphatic 83-52 victory, a result of a cohesive team effort. But the win carried even greater significance. It marked head coach Dawn Staley’s remarkable 200th Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular-season victory.

While it was a collective triumph, individual contributions stood out. Raven Johnson, a 21-year-old junior, played 23 minutes, adding seven points, three rebounds, one assist, and a block. However, her performance wasn’t quite enough to earn glowing praise from Coach Staley.

Staley reflected on Johnson’s progress this season, saying, “Raven’s come a long way from the beginning of the season.” However, she pointed out that a lack of preparation during the offseason affected Johnson’s early performances.

“We understand that she probably did not do exactly what she did the season prior to getting ready for the season. And when you don’t do that, you’re going to see the results of it, which is a slow start,” Staley explained.

The stats back up her words. In the 2023-24 season, Johnson averaged 8.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. But, this year, her numbers dipped slightly to 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. Not just that, her field goal percentage dropped from 44.3% to 35.3%, and her three-point shooting also took a slight hit, decreasing from 35% to 30.0%.

Staley’s honest feedback reflects her unwavering commitment to player growth and high standards. She not only addressed Johnson’s immediate struggles, but also reinforced a culture of accountability and constant improvement within the team. But true to her style, Staley balanced her critique with encouragement.

Dawn Staley says Johnson’s “slow start” for good reason

She praised Johnson’s recent dedication to improving her game. “When you get back and familiarize yourself by getting back in the gym and loving up on basketball and loving up on your game, it’s an easy fix. And that’s what she’s done.” Staley also acknowledged how Johnson’s efforts have positively impacted the team.

Though her season stats show a decline compared to last year, Johnson’s recent performances tell a different story. Over her last six games, she has hit a 50% shooting rate in five contests and showcased her improved playmaking skills. “We’re a much better basketball team now than we were a month ago, which is great. That’s really indicative of what Raven’s contributions are to our team offensively,” Staley added.

In those six games, Johnson recorded multiple assists in five matchups and limited turnovers to just four in total. Her three-point shooting has also improved, with eight makes on her last 17 attempts from deep.

Staley’s description of Johnson’s early performance as “slow” now appears to be a motivating push rather than a critique. As the Gamecocks set their sights on back-to-back national titles, Johnson’s resurgence couldn’t come at a better time. Will she rise to the occasion and deliver consistent results in shooting and playmaking? Time will tell, but the signs are certainly promising. What do you think?