**Dawn Staley Does It AGAIN! Aneesah Morrow Transfers to South Carolina—Will the Gamecocks Three-Peat?**
The college basketball world was sent into a frenzy on Monday when superstar forward Aneesah Morrow announced her decision to transfer from LSU to South Carolina, instantly reshaping the landscape of women’s basketball for the 2024-25 season. In a move that further cements Dawn Staley’s reputation as the most formidable recruiter and program builder in the game, the Gamecocks have added yet another elite talent to an already stacked roster—raising the inevitable question: Is a three-peat now inevitable?
Morrow, a 6’1” powerhouse who averaged 16.4 points and 10.0 rebounds per game last season at LSU, brings an unmatched combination of scoring, rebounding, and defensive versatility to Columbia. Her decision comes just months after South Carolina cut down the nets in Cleveland, completing a perfect 38-0 season and securing their second national championship in three years. With the departure of Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and other key veterans from that historic squad, many wondered if the Gamecocks would take a step back. But if there’s one thing Dawn Staley has proven time and time again, it’s that she doesn’t rebuild—she reloads.
The addition of Morrow is a masterstroke, not just because of her individual talent, but because of how seamlessly she fits into Staley’s system. South Carolina thrives on physicality, defensive intensity, and dominating the paint—areas where Morrow excels. Her relentless motor on the glass and ability to score inside and out make her the perfect frontcourt partner for returning star Kamilla Cardoso, giving the Gamecocks what might be the most terrifying front line in the country. Add in the explosive backcourt of Raven Johnson and incoming freshman phenom Joyce Edwards, and South Carolina’s roster looks nearly unbeatable on paper.
But the implications of this transfer go beyond X’s and O’s. Morrow’s move from LSU to South Carolina adds another layer of intrigue to the already white-hot SEC rivalry between the two programs. Just a year ago, LSU and South Carolina faced off in a highly anticipated showdown that lived up to the hype, with the Gamecocks narrowly escaping in a thriller. Now, with Morrow switching sides, the stakes are even higher. The Tigers, led by Kim Mulkey, will still be a force with Flau’jae Johnson and Hailey Van Lith returning, but losing Morrow to their biggest conference rival is a massive blow. For South Carolina, it’s a statement—one that says the Gamecocks aren’t just aiming for another title; they’re looking to establish a dynasty that could dominate the sport for years to come.
The timing of Morrow’s decision couldn’t be more perfect for Staley’s squad. With UConn reloading behind Paige Bueckers, Iowa still boasting Caitlin Clark (if she returns), and UCLA emerging as a powerhouse, the competition for next year’s national championship was already shaping up to be fierce. But South Carolina just tipped the scales heavily in their favor. Morrow’s experience in high-pressure situations—including an Elite Eight run with LSU—means she won’t be fazed by the bright lights of March. Her ability to take over games, as she did with 37 points and 16 rebounds against Texas A&M last season, gives the Gamecocks another go-to option when games get tight.
Perhaps the most frightening part for the rest of the country is how well Morrow fits into Staley’s culture. South Carolina’s success under Staley hasn’t just been about talent—it’s been about toughness, selflessness, and an unrelenting will to win. Morrow, known for her work ethic and competitive fire, embodies those traits. She’s the kind of player who dives for loose balls, battles for every rebound, and elevates her game when it matters most. In other words, she’s a perfect Dawn Staley player.
So, what does this mean for the 2025 title race? Barring injuries or unforeseen setbacks, South Carolina now has to be considered the overwhelming favorite. A core of Morrow, Cardoso, Johnson, and Edwards is as complete as any team in the country, with the depth, experience, and star power to run through the SEC and cut down the nets once again. The Gamecocks have been the gold standard in women’s basketball for years, and with this latest addition, they’ve widened the gap even further.
For Aneesah Morrow, this transfer is a chance to cement her legacy as one of the best players in the country while chasing a championship under one of the greatest coaches of all time. For Dawn Staley, it’s another reminder that no one in the game can recruit, develop, and win at her level. And for the rest of women’s college basketball? It’s a warning—South Carolina isn’t going anywhere. The dynasty is alive, and a three-peat might just be the beginning.
The season can’t start soon enough.
