SHOCKING RETURN TO THE WNBA: Former South Carolina Guard Bree Hall Signs with Expansion Golden State Valkyries, Fueling Rookie Movement and Championship Pedigree in Bay Area”

“SHOCKING RETURN TO THE WNBA: Former South Carolina Guard Bree Hall Signs with Expansion Golden State Valkyries, Fueling Rookie Movement and Championship Pedigree in Bay Area”

 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — In a stunning twist late Wednesday afternoon, the Golden State Valkyries have announced the signing of Bree Hall, the former South Carolina Gamecocks standout and two-time NCAA champion (2022, 2024), adding her to the roster on a rest-of-season hardship contract amid EuroBasket call-ups. The move not only bolsters the team’s depth but also shines a spotlight on a booming pipeline of South Carolina talent entering the WNBA .

 

 

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🌟 From Gamecock Glory to Pro Debut

 

Hall, a 6’1″ guard celebrated for her defensive grit and clutch shooting, won two NCAA titles during her four-year career at South Carolina and was a key starter on the 38–0 perfect season . Though drafted 20th overall in the 2025 WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever, she was waived out of training camp last month .

 

But Hall’s resilience has paid off: Golden State has seized the opportunity created by six Valkyries players away for EuroBasket 2025, offering her a chance to shine on the professional stage .

 

 

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🔁 Roster Rollercoaster: From Draft Cut to Bay Area Boost

 

Maximized when it matters most, Hall joins fellow temporary signees Kaitlyn Chen (ex-UConn) and Chloe Bibby as injury replacements and depth-fillers . Her addition maintains Valkyries’ edge during international player absences and gives her a platform to prove her professional worth, though her stint remains contingent on EuroBasket players’ return .

 

 

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🏀 Coach Natalie Nakase’s Game-Day Strategy

 

Head coach Natalie Nakase, piloting the WNBA’s newest franchise, has transformed a budding team into a credible contender (5–5 record). With openings in the backcourt due to overseas roster gaps, Hall’s sharp-shooting and lockdown defense are ideally suited to Nakase’s flexible, high-energy style . Valkyries management believes her championship mentality complements the team’s long-term aspirations.

 

 

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📊 Gameplan & Impact Potential

 

Roster Role: Primarily defensive guard with scoring upside—fills the role of wing/backcourt support.

 

Performance Metrics: At South Carolina, Hall averaged 5.8 points and 2.3 rebounds; her 38.3% 3‑point mark makes her a threat beyond the arc .

 

WNBA Debut: Expect accelerated minutes in the next two weeks ahead of EuroBasket returns. Her performance could determine longer-term opportunities.

 

 

 

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🌍 South Carolina’s WNBA Pipeline

 

Hall is the third Gamecock from the 2025 draft to secure a WNBA roster spot—joining Te‑Hina Paopao (Dream) and **Sania Feagin (Sparks)** . Between temporary signings like Hall and permanent spots, South Carolina continues asserting itself as a powerhouse program feeding talent into the professional ranks .

 

 

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🔜 What’s Next

 

1. Tonight’s Matchup: Hall is cleared to play tonight against Indiana Fever at Chase Center .

 

 

2. Short-Term Tryout: Her stay hinges on EuroBasket players’ return—likely within two weeks.

 

 

3. Future Outlook: Standout performances could position her for extended contracts—either in Golden State or elsewhere in the league.

 

 

 

 

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📝 Final Thought

 

Bree Hall’s signing underscores both the Valkyries’ dynamic building strategy and her unwavering resolve. Once a collegiate champion, now a WNBA hopeful, her next chapter unfolds under the bright lights of the Chase Center. As part of a broader wave of South Carolina alumni making pro waves, Hall represents the growing influence of Gamecock programs on women’s basketball’s highest stage.

 

With adversity behind her and opportunity ahead, her WNBA debut carries more than gameplay—it carries legacy.

 

 

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