Violent protests in Paris have forced South Carolina to address security before its season opener. Preparing for the start of a new college basketball season usually means focusing on roster chemistry, tactical adjustments, and the competition ahead, but for Dawn Staley, an off-court concern threatens to throw all that into unrest.
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According to South Carolina reporter David Cloninger on X, Staley noted that the “unrest” in Paris “has been a concern.” Cloninger also wrote that Staley “Talked with the tournament organizers and some people that are there now.”
“There is a security organization that all the teams have to make sure that it’s a safe environment. They feel comfortable,” his post concluded.
Staley and the Gamecocks are heading to Paris for a high-profile showcase at Adidas Arena, taking on the Maryland Terrapins as part of the Oui-Play event. The venue will also see the North Carolina Tar Heels face off against the Oklahoma Sooners.
Her concerns come as Paris has faced violent protests since late September, with a report from the Associated Press describing heightened tensions in a similar situation for the NFL’s first regular-season game in France on October 25.
“Americans in Paris for the NFL game on Sunday, October 25 should also exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings,” an announcement from the US State Department read. “While permits may be filed for demonstration routes, last-minute changes can happen, and protests can occur outside planned routes.”
After coordinating with organizers and security, Staley confirmed the team feels safe. Now the focus turns to the matchup itself.
Dawn Staley Expects a Tough Test Against Maryland
Ahead of the game against Maryland, Staley knows that South Carolina has little room to ease into the season. Maryland, ranked #20 by the Associated Press, is led by head coach Brenda Frese, whom Staley praised for returning the Terrapinsto their roots.
“I think they’re playing more like the Maryland of old. They’re healthier, they got talent,” Staley said in an interview with reporter Matt Dowell.
“I think Brenda is doing a great job of getting back to who Maryland is and not having to just improvise because you don’t have the bodies, and you don’t have the healthy bodies. I think we’ll see pressing full court, three-quarter court… They’re very good at it and they just really got talented pieces.”
The possibility Staley highlighted makes the opener a significant early measuring stick for the Gamecocks, and the coach emphasized the opportunity to see where her team stands against a ranked opponent. South Carolina itself is ranked #1, earning 23 of the 31 first-place votes.
Meanwhile, Frese sees a different challenge in her opponent.
When asked about what stood out about the preseason #1, the Maryland coach pointed to the team’s length and size when it came to rebounding, as well as their seemingly endless depth.
“They’re always elite on the glass, and with the their rebounding,” Frese said.
“[They are] so talented with all the All-Americans and talented players, and then you bring in a wave of great freshmen and international kids. I think the biggest thing, on top of their talent, is just the depth. They can continue to wear you out with that depth.”
For Maryland, the key to success will be finding a way to handle South Carolina’s pressure and physicality. The Terrapins now need to maintain their intensity against a team that can bring fresh talent off the bench all throughout the game.
That showed in the Gamecocks’ final exhibition game, when they beat Benedict College 113-34. They out-rebounded Benedict 70-24, with Tessa Johnson and Jerzy Robinson scoring 17 points each, and Joyce Edwards logging 15.
That edge on the glass has been a focus for the team, according to forward Agot Makeer, who told reporters it was something the team was looking to apply against Maryland.
“That’s the emphasis all preseason,” she said.
“A lot of people got to play in the game against Benedict, so it was really good for everyone to get a feel of the court and play.”
Meanwhile, much like her head coach, Edwards welcomed the chance to play against Maryland. For her, the goal is to compete against top-tier opponents and use the challenges as a way to improve.
“We have probably one of the toughest schedules in the nation, and we know that, but we all play at South Carolina,” she said.
“We all know that we’re great players and a great team, and we want to compete against the best, and iron sharpens iron, so we just can’t wait to get out there and just perform.”
South Carolina’s depth and rebounding edge will be tested immediately against Maryland’s pressing defense in the season opener on November 2.