South Carolina Women's Basketball Lineup Change Raises Questions

Coach Dawn Staley's decision to bench Madina Okot sparks speculation about the move's permanence.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:07pm

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South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley made a rare lineup change on January 25th, benching starting center Madina Okot in favor of a four-guard lineup. This came fresh off the team's first SEC loss of the season. Staley was coy about whether the change is permanent, saying it's a "game-by-game" decision.

Why it matters

Staley is known for her consistency with the Gamecocks' starting lineup, so this change has raised eyebrows among fans and media. Okot is a key part of the team's frontcourt, so her move to the bench could signal a shift in strategy or a desire to shake things up after the loss.

The details

Instead of starting Okot at center, Staley opted for a four-guard lineup, adding freshman Agot Makeer to the starting five. This comes after South Carolina suffered its first SEC loss of the season in their previous game.

  • On January 25th, Staley made the lineup change.
  • The change came fresh off South Carolina's first SEC loss of the 2026 season.

The players

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina women's basketball team, known for her consistency with the starting lineup.

Madina Okot

The starting center for the South Carolina women's basketball team, who was benched in favor of a four-guard lineup.

Agot Makeer

A freshman who was added to the starting lineup, replacing Okot.

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What they’re saying

“It's a game-by-game (decision) but I won't tell you today, though,”

— Dawn Staley, Head Coach

The takeaway

Staley's lineup change signals a potential shift in strategy for the Gamecocks, as they look to bounce back from their first SEC loss of the season. The move to bench a key starter like Okot is unusual for Staley, raising questions about whether the change is temporary or more permanent in nature.