South Carolina Gamecocks Women’s Basketball Score Big for the Future as Elite Post Player Adhel Tac Commits to the 2026 Class, Stating Two Reasons for Choosing Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks….Read More…..

South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley has once again proven why her program is the gold standard in recruiting. The Gamecocks landed a massive addition to their 2026 recruiting class with the commitment of Adhel Tac, a dominant post player who is poised to make an immediate impact once she steps on the floor in Columbia.

Tac’s decision to commit continues a trend of elite talent choosing the Gamecocks, a program that has consistently produced WNBA stars, national championships, and a winning culture that stretches well beyond the court. For a program already rich in depth and tradition, the news of Tac’s commitment is another sign that Staley’s Gamecocks have no plans of slowing down.

A Towering Presence in the Paint

Standing at 6-foot-4 with a wingspan and athleticism that makes her a nightmare for opposing defenses, Tac has earned recognition as one of the most promising frontcourt players in her class. She has shown tremendous ability to control the glass, block shots, and finish around the rim with authority. Recruiters and scouts alike describe her as the type of player who can anchor a defense and elevate an offense simply through her presence in the paint.

“She’s a game-changer,” one national recruiting analyst said. “Her blend of size, strength, and mobility is rare. Adding her to an already dominant program like South Carolina makes the Gamecocks even tougher to beat in the years ahead.”

Why She Chose the Gamecocks

When asked why she chose South Carolina over other powerhouse programs, Tac pointed to two key reasons.

First, she cited Dawn Staley’s reputation for developing players and preparing them for the next level. Tac expressed admiration for how Staley has built South Carolina into not just a championship contender but also a pipeline to the WNBA. “Coach Staley knows how to get players to where they want to go,” Tac said. “I want to be pushed, I want to grow, and I know she’s the right coach to help me do that.”

Second, Tac emphasized the family culture within the program. She explained that from her visits to Columbia, she felt an immediate sense of belonging. The support system among players, coaches, and fans convinced her that she wouldn’t just be joining a basketball team, but becoming part of a family. “The love here is real,” she noted. “Everyone supports each other, and that’s the kind of environment I want to be in.”

A Boost for the 2026 Class

Tac’s commitment makes the Gamecocks’ 2026 class one of the most exciting in the nation. South Carolina has long been able to attract guards and forwards who fit their versatile, aggressive style, but adding a skilled post presence like Tac takes the roster to another level. Her ability to control tempo, protect the rim, and demand double teams will open the floor for South Carolina’s perimeter scorers.

More importantly, her addition ensures that the Gamecocks will continue their dominance in the post, a trademark of the program during the Staley era. From A’ja Wilson to Aliyah Boston and Kamilla Cardoso, South Carolina has built its championship runs on elite frontcourt play. Tac seems ready to carry that torch.

Reaction Across Women’s Basketball

News of Tac’s decision sent waves through the women’s basketball community. Rival programs that had been vying for her signature recognized the significance of her choice, while South Carolina fans flooded social media with excitement.

“This is huge,” one fan wrote. “Coach Staley just keeps stacking up talent. Adhel Tac is going to be the next big name we’ll be cheering for.”

National analysts echoed those sentiments, with some suggesting that Tac’s arrival could help extend South Carolina’s dynasty well into the next decade.

Dawn Staley’s Statement

Coach Staley, known for her straightforward but passionate approach, praised Tac’s decision and welcomed her into the program. “Adhel is exactly the kind of player we look for at South Carolina,” Staley said. “She’s talented, she’s driven, and she understands what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. We can’t wait to see her grow in our program.”

Looking Ahead

For Tac, the commitment marks the beginning of her journey with the Gamecocks, but it also underscores South Carolina’s staying power in women’s college basketball. In an era where NIL deals, transfer portals, and fierce recruiting battles dominate the landscape, Dawn Staley continues to out-recruit her competition and attract players who buy into the program’s vision.

As the Gamecocks set their sights on more championships, the addition of Adhel Tac ensures the future remains as bright as ever in Columbia. With her size, skill, and mindset, Tac has the potential not just to contribute, but to become the next iconic name in South Carolina women’s basketball history.