South Carolina's Lineup Change With Madina Okot Raises Questions

Coach Dawn Staley's decision to bench Okot for the Vanderbilt game may not be permanent, but it highlights the Gamecocks' depth and versatility.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:55pm

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South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley made a rare change to her starting lineup in the team's recent win over Vanderbilt, replacing center Madina Okot with freshman guard Agot Makeer. Staley said the move was more to benefit Okot than to punish her, and that the lineup change will be evaluated on a game-by-game basis. As the Gamecocks prepare to face Auburn, Staley noted the advantages of either starting lineup in terms of breaking the press and controlling the paint against the Tigers' athletic roster.

Why it matters

South Carolina is one of the top teams in the country, and Staley's willingness to tinker with the starting lineup shows the team's depth and versatility. The lineup change also highlights Staley's ability to adapt her strategy based on the opponent, which will be crucial as the Gamecocks navigate a tough SEC schedule.

The details

Staley replaced Okot with Makeer, a freshman guard, in the starting lineup against Vanderbilt. The coach said the move was more to benefit Okot than to punish her. The four-guard lineup helped the Gamecocks jump out to an 11-2 lead in the first two minutes against Vanderbilt's guard-heavy offense. As South Carolina prepares to face Auburn, Staley noted the advantages of either starting lineup in terms of breaking the press and controlling the paint against the Tigers' athletic roster.

  • On January 25, Staley made the lineup change against Vanderbilt.
  • South Carolina faces Auburn on January 29 at 9 p.m. ET.

The players

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina women's basketball team, known for her successful tenure and ability to adapt her strategies.

Madina Okot

The starting center for the South Carolina women's basketball team, who was benched for the Vanderbilt game.

Agot Makeer

A freshman guard for the South Carolina women's basketball team, who started in place of Okot against Vanderbilt.

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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

“We have to control the paint because they like to just put their heads down and go. They have the personnel to do that.”

— Dawn Staley, Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Staley's willingness to adjust her starting lineup shows the depth and versatility of the South Carolina women's basketball team, which will be crucial as they navigate a tough SEC schedule. The lineup change against Vanderbilt highlights Staley's ability to adapt her strategy based on the opponent, a skill that will serve the Gamecocks well in their pursuit of a championship.