Ever since the Finals loss to UConn in last year’s NCAA Tournament, Dawn Staley has been eyeing a comeback. And with the roster she built, it certainly seemed possible. But as this season unfolds, challenges are starting to get in the way. That’s because, after Chloe Kitts’ season-ending injury, another key player is now out of the picture.

Well, we’re talking about Maddy McDaniel. Just over an hour before South Carolina’s matchup against Clemson, the Gamecocks announced a surprising update on X: “Maddy McDaniel will not be at tonight’s game. She has been suspended.” While SC cruised to a 65–37 win, their 15th straight victory over Clemson without her, but the decision left fans questioning what really happened. So, finally, Staley came to respond. 

After the game, she was asked if McDaniel would return for Saturday’s matchup against Southern Cal. “Doubt it,” Dawn Staley said, adding that McDaniel’s return depends on her own actions: “That’s on her. We’ll evaluate it every day.” While the reason behind McDaniel’s suspension remains unclear, one thing is certain — her future with the team is uncertain for now.

This is a developing story…