The South Carolina women’s basketball program has long been synonymous with excellence, a powerhouse built on the foundation of relentless defense, unselfish play, and a culture of winning under the legendary Dawn Staley. As the Gamecocks prepare to embark on another season filled with championship aspirations, all eyes are on Adhel Tac, the freshman phenom whose arrival in Columbia has sparked a wave of anticipation. Standing at 6-foot-5 with a wingspan that defies logic and a skill set that blends raw athleticism with polished fundamentals, Tac isn’t just another recruit—she’s a glimpse into the future of a program that refuses to rest on its laurels. Her presence on the roster signals a new era for South Carolina, one that promises to blend the program’s storied identity with a fresh, dynamic edge.
Tac’s journey to South Carolina is a testament to her resilience and ambition. Born in Dallas, Texas, to South Sudanese parents, she grew up in a household that prioritized education and discipline, values that translated seamlessly to the basketball court. By the time she reached high school, Tac had already begun turning heads with her ability to dominate games on both ends of the floor. At Duncanville High, a breeding ground for Division I talent, she honed her craft under the tutelage of coaches who emphasized versatility. Unlike many players her size, Tac refused to be pigeonholed as a traditional post player. She developed a reliable mid-range jumper, learned to handle the ball in transition, and studied film to perfect her timing as a shot-blocker. By her senior year, she averaged a double-double—18 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks per game—while leading her team to a state championship. Her performances earned her McDonald’s All-American honors and a ranking among the top five recruits in the nation. But for Tac, the accolades were never the end goal. “I wanted to go somewhere I could grow, not just as a player but as a leader,” she said in an interview shortly after committing to South Carolina. “Coach Staley’s program teaches you how to win, but it also teaches you how to carry yourself like a champion.”
Now, as she steps onto the court at Colonial Life Arena, Tac is poised to make an immediate impact. South Carolina’s roster, already stacked with veteran talent, provides the perfect environment for her to thrive without shouldering the burden of being “the savior.” Senior center Kamilla Cardoso, a 6-foot-7 force who averaged a double-double last season, will likely start alongside Tac, forming what could be the most intimidating frontcourt in women’s college basketball. The duo’s complementary styles—Cardoso’s bruising physicality and Tac’s fluid mobility—create matchup nightmares for opponents. But Tac’s value extends beyond her physical tools. During preseason practices, teammates and coaches have raved about her basketball IQ and coachability. “She asks questions, she takes notes, and she applies feedback instantly,” Staley noted in a recent press conference. “That’s rare for a freshman. Most kids come in thinking they know everything. Adhel knows she doesn’t—and that’s her superpower.”
Defensively, Tac is a revelation. Her ability to switch onto guards on the perimeter, recover to contest shots at the rim, and communicate defensive rotations has already elevated the team’s intensity in scrimmages. South Carolina has led the nation in defensive efficiency for three consecutive seasons, and Tac’s arrival ensures that streak could continue. Offensively, while she’s still refining her three-point shot, her footwork in the post and knack for finding cutters with pinpoint passes suggest she’ll be more than just a finisher. “She sees the game in slow motion,” said senior guard Te-Hina Paopao. “When she gets the ball in the high post, you better be ready to cut because that pass is coming right when you break free.”
Yet, for all her potential, Tac’s transition to college basketball won’t be without challenges. The speed of the game, the physicality of seasoned opponents, and the mental grind of a full season will test her in ways high school never could. Staley has been vocal about managing expectations, reminding fans that development is a process. “Adhel is going to have moments where she looks like a superstar and moments where she looks like a freshman,” Staley said. “Our job is to celebrate the growth, not just the highlights.” This balanced approach is a hallmark of Staley’s coaching philosophy, one that has transformed South Carolina into a program where players like A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and now Adhel Tac can flourish.
The broader implications of Tac’s arrival extend beyond the court. In an era where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have reshaped college athletics, her marketability is undeniable. With her infectious smile, articulate demeanor, and compelling backstory, Tac has already attracted partnerships with major brands eager to align with her star power. But true to form, she’s approached NIL opportunities with the same maturity that defines her game. “I want to work with companies that stand for something,” she said. “It’s not just about the money. It’s about building a legacy that inspires other girls like me.” This mindset aligns perfectly with South Carolina’s emphasis on empowering women both on and off the court, a value Staley has embedded into the program’s DNA.
As the season approaches, the buzz around Tac has reached a fever pitch. Season ticket sales have surged, and social media is flooded with highlights of her preseason dunks—a rarity in women’s college basketball—and no-look passes. But perhaps the most telling sign of her impact is the way her teammates speak about her. Raven Johnson, the Gamecocks’ dynamic junior guard, put it simply: “Adhel makes us better. When you see someone that talented working that hard, it pushes everyone to level up.” This culture of mutual elevation is what has kept South Carolina at the pinnacle of the sport, and Tac seems destined to become its next standard-bearer.
Of course, the ultimate test will come when the lights are brightest. South Carolina’s non-conference schedule includes matchups against UConn, Stanford, and LSU—games that will offer Tac a crash course in high-stakes basketball. How she responds to adversity—a missed assignment, a scoring drought, or a hostile road crowd—will reveal as much about her character as her stat line. But if her past is any indication, Tac thrives under pressure. In high school, she famously played through a sprained ankle in the state semifinals, recording 22 points and 15 rebounds to keep her team’s title hopes alive. That grit, combined with her preternatural calm, suggests she’s built for moments that would unravel lesser players.
Looking ahead, the possibilities are tantalizing. If Tac continues to develop at her current trajectory, she could follow in the footsteps of Gamecock greats who have dominated college basketball and transitioned seamlessly to the WNBA. But for now, her focus remains singular: helping South Carolina hang another banner. “I came here to win championships,” she said. “Individual awards are cool, but I want to look back and know I gave everything to this team.” In a sport where teamwork is paramount, Tac’s selflessness is her greatest asset—and South Carolina’s greatest advantage.
In many ways, Adhel Tac embodies the evolution of women’s basketball. She’s a player who defies positional labels, a defender who can guard one through five, and a leader who leads by example. Her arrival in Columbia isn’t just a preview of what’s to come for the Gamecocks—it’s a preview of where the sport itself is headed. As the season tips off, one thing is certain: South Carolina’s opponents will spend countless hours game-planning for Tac, but there’s no blueprint for stopping a player who’s rewriting the rules as she goes. The Dawn Staley era has already cemented its place in history, but with Adhel Tac leading the charge, the next chapter promises to be its most thrilling yet.
