SOUTH CAROLINA’S FRONTCOURT FIREPOWER SET TO ERUPT: Maryam Dauda and Adhel Tac Are Quietly Building Toward SEC Stardom, and These Three Game-Changing Factors Suggest the Gamecocks’ Dynamic Duo Could Deliver a Breakout Campaign That Will Shock the College Basketball World

SOUTH CAROLINA’S FRONTCOURT FIREPOWER SET TO ERUPT: Maryam Dauda and Adhel Tac Are Quietly Building Toward SEC Stardom, and These Three Game-Changing Factors Suggest the Gamecocks’ Dynamic Duo Could Deliver a Breakout Campaign That Will Shock the College Basketball World

 

 

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In Columbia, South Carolina, a storm is brewing—one made not of chaos, but of promise, potential, and powerful post play. As the South Carolina Gamecocks gear up for another high-stakes campaign in the SEC, all eyes are turning toward a pair of rising stars who seem ready to shake the foundations of women’s college basketball: Maryam Dauda and Adhel Tac.

 

Overshadowed at times by All-Americans and top draft prospects in recent seasons, Dauda and Tac have quietly put in the work, grown through adversity, and elevated their games in ways that have left the Gamecocks’ coaching staff and insiders buzzing behind the scenes. Now, heading into what many are calling a pivotal year for South Carolina’s rotation, these two athletes are poised to make their long-awaited statement.

 

Here are three key reasons why Maryam Dauda and Adhel Tac could lead the next great breakout wave in the SEC—and why the rest of the nation should be paying close attention.

 

 

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1. Dominant Development Behind the Scenes

 

While neither Dauda nor Tac has yet been a household name like former stars Aliyah Boston or A’ja Wilson, their developmental trajectory is no less promising.

 

Maryam Dauda, a 6-foot-4 forward from Bentonville, Arkansas, has spent the past two seasons refining her skills under the watchful eye of head coach Dawn Staley. Known for her soft touch around the rim and ability to stretch the floor with a mid-range jumper, Dauda has been working on building muscle and confidence after recovering from an early-career injury.

 

> “She’s put in the time in the weight room and on the film sessions,” one team trainer said. “Her mobility and court awareness have taken a leap.”

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Adhel Tac, the 6-foot-5 center out of Grand Prairie, Texas, brings a defensive presence and rebounding motor that’s hard to teach. Coaches describe her as a “rim protector in the making” with elite instincts. Her frame, work ethic, and energy during spring workouts have led many to believe she’ll be a key anchor in the paint this season.

 

> “If we’re talking about upside, Tac’s is through the roof,” said assistant coach Jolette Law. “She’s ready to turn heads.”

 

 

 

 

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2. Expanded Roles in a New-Look Gamecocks Roster

 

With several key veterans moving on to professional opportunities and graduation, the South Carolina roster now has more minutes and touches available than at any point in the last three years. Dauda and Tac are not just filling gaps—they’re stepping into featured roles.

 

Coach Staley hinted during recent interviews that both players are “no longer in waiting mode,” and that the staff is designing offensive and defensive sets with their unique strengths in mind.

 

Dauda’s ability to hit the pick-and-pop jumper makes her an ideal pairing with the Gamecocks’ athletic guards.

 

Tac’s defensive versatility allows her to switch onto quicker forwards and serve as a rim deterrent against elite scorers in the SEC.

 

 

That kind of scheme integration doesn’t happen by accident—it reflects belief, trust, and a vision that these players are no longer complementary—they’re central.

 

 

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3. South Carolina’s Track Record of Developing Post Stars

 

If there’s one thing you can count on from the South Carolina program, it’s that bigs don’t just survive—they thrive.

 

From A’ja Wilson to Aliyah Boston to Kamilla Cardoso, the Gamecocks have produced a steady stream of dominant frontcourt players who entered the league as prospects and exited as legends. The strength of the player development system, combined with the culture of high expectations, creates the perfect environment for Dauda and Tac to take that next leap.

 

Both players have spent years learning from elite competition every day in practice—and now it’s their time to shine on the big stage.

 

> “It’s not just about being ready,” said Dawn Staley. “It’s about being trusted to lead. And I trust them both.”

 

 

 

 

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Final Thoughts: Don’t Sleep on South Carolina’s Silent Assassins

 

While the headlines have often focused on South Carolina’s backcourt battles and incoming freshmen, the duo of Maryam Dauda and Adhel Tac represents a potential X-factor combination that could tilt the scales in the SEC title race.

 

Their breakout may not come with viral highlight reels overnight—but in the measured, methodical, and magnificent way that true basketball stars emerge. And if South Carolina cuts down nets in March, don’t be surprised if these two are at the center of the celebration.