November 20, 2024 • 45 mins
This week we sit down with a reigning champion – South Carolina’s Sania Feagin! Sania takes us through her years playing for Dawn Staley, the mindset of the South Carolina team, and what she’s bringing to her senior season.
- Natty celebrations, Forest Park HS jersey retirement, 3x3 gold medal (1:30) 🥳🥇
- Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC, being the No. 4 recruit in HS, modeling her game after A’ja Wilson and Blake Griffin (5:52)💪🏾⛹🏾♀️
- Learning from Aliyah Boston and Kamilla Cardoso in the post, 2023 Final Four loss to Iowa (14:55)🤓💔
- Last summer’s slow start, clicking in the first game vs. Notre Dame, close Sweet 16 game vs. Indiana (19:15)😅😮💨
- Championship Game mindset, Raven Johnson flowers, Vibe Check (29:15)💐✅
About Our Host:
Atlanta Dream guard Haley Jones is an NCAA national champion, All-American, and No. 6 pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft. Listen as she welcomes top players to the mic to dissect basketball’s biggest storylines, celebrate top performances, and give flowers to the players growing the game.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
We got a couple of freshmen that came in this year,
and the way that they connected with us and they
clicked with us, it just made it seem like it's
the same team as last year, like the way that
we love each other, the way that we're like playing
off with each other, but we got each other's back,
like no matter what, like when one is down, we
pick them up. I guess I just showing it earlier
this season, like hearing practice stuff is just like a
(00:22):
good start to know that how our senior year would
be gone.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Welcome back to sometimes. I hope today we've got a
dog on the pod. Quick humble brag McDonald's All American
Georgia Gatoray Player of the Year twenty twenty, a two
time Natty champ, not to mention the reigning national champ
none other than South Carolina's presence in the paint. Sanaia Fagan,
thanks for hopping on the pod.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
Thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
I'm so excited to have you. Well, a quick eyesbreaker
before we get into basketball talk is what was the
first concert that you ever went to?
Speaker 3 (00:57):
Concert? I don't really go to concerts, but I'll probably
say have you.
Speaker 2 (01:03):
Never been to one?
Speaker 3 (01:04):
Well, I've been to a Young Nudy concert down here.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
First of all, who the heck is young newdude is? No?
Speaker 3 (01:12):
Wow, it's a rapper out of Atlanta.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Oh, I feel like I should know that now that
I'm living here. But no, whoop? See Okay, anywhoe too? Honestly, honestly,
I bet I have Well damn now I feel like
super old or just really out of touch. Actually, okay,
so let's get back into basketball talk our landscape here.
You guys had a huge summer. How long did the
celebration last after winning the Natty? Did it die down
(01:37):
since it was your second one? Or did that make
it like more of an experience?
Speaker 1 (01:41):
It's still going on now, I mean we just went
oh for real, Yeah, we just went to the White House.
I did, But the team just went to the White House.
So I mean it's still going I mean, everybody's still
loving on us.
Speaker 3 (01:53):
And we still like so much love.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
So what do you feel like? Is the biggest park
that you've received from winning the Natty? Is there anything
cool around town? I saw you got your jersey retired,
which is amazing, number twenty in the rafters forever. All
those cool things. So what's been the coolest thing to
come out of it?
Speaker 3 (02:09):
I can't say. Probably my Judgy retirement. He's being recognized.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
I feel like also, like you're so closely removed from
high school, so to be able to already have it
be retired, it's kind of crazy. Was that you gotta
be the youngest person have to be retired? Right? I
actually think I am really first. Yeah, that's sick, that's amazing.
And then you talked about missing the White House because
you were playing with USA three on three and you won,
(02:34):
led the team to a seven year old record tournament
leading scorer and named MVP. Have you ever done three
on three before this? Or is this your first time playing?
Speaker 3 (02:43):
Actually, this was my first time playing.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
Okay, did you like it?
Speaker 3 (02:47):
I did like it.
Speaker 1 (02:47):
It was really cold, But other than it being really cold,
it's really cool.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
Yeah, because you guys play outside, right, and you were
in Mongolia, So what was that atmosphere like? Playing there?
Speaker 3 (02:57):
It was actually good. I mean, they with us a
couple of times.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
I mean, but I'm sure there's a lot of fans
out there though, Like they packed it out. They be
turned it up for real, they do, and three on
three is a really different hate from five on five
for people who don't know the three on three game stole,
especially with what is it fourteen second shot clock all
those different it's twelve Oh my god. Yeah, that's quick.
You gotta be in shape for those ten minutes. And
(03:23):
so do you feel like there was anything that you're
gonna be able to take from three on three that
will then be kind of a thing that you're taking
to your next five on five season, a different improvement maybe,
or something that will be able to apply.
Speaker 3 (03:37):
Honestly, yes, just moving faster.
Speaker 1 (03:39):
We turn the page faster because you have no time
to get the soak on a mislay up or soap
on display because the game go by so fast. So
it's just like to shake it off. You just once
sit the next play. I mean, that's all you can do.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
Yeah, ain't no time for nothing. Really, you got to
turn around and keep it pushion Yep. Yeah. I feel
like three on three it really it shows people like
weaknesses in a different way where it doesn't in five
on five because you have help side, like you got
to lock up one on one d. But I feel
like offensively, like in your college career, you've been a
lot of on the block presence and then three on
(04:13):
three I watched them the games. You are here getting
to do things from the wing, get to the ram,
make moves out the bounce, and so was that cool
to be able to maybe not even add to your
bag because it's always been there, but get to kind
of bring those things out of retirement, maybe give you
some more confidence moving into your senior season.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
I actually do think, yes, I do that actually because
I mean it's good to just go out there and
actually play, like, you know, just be freely.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
Oh yeah, it was yeah, really goodbye, It's happy to
senior season. That's when I'm hearing. I try to see it.
And so thinking about moving forward, you guys have a
big non conference schedule before you get into SEC play.
So do you feel like there is a game that
circled on the calendar that you guys are really looking
forward to play? Well, me, not really, I mean I'm
(05:00):
just very yeah against me and everybody, But I don't
know for the team, Like the team hasn't really been
talking about a team that they're like excited to play.
Speaker 3 (05:11):
So not quite sure.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
I mean I guess that makes sense. You are the
rating Natty Champs everybody's kind of got y'all circle on
the schedule. I'm sure, so y'all are just ready to
I mean, I feel like you guys are always the
team that's targeted, you know what I mean? You always
have that target on your back, and so you always
have to have that mindset of like everybody's game when
they play you, is.
Speaker 3 (05:30):
There, Natty? Is their busy yep?
Speaker 2 (05:32):
With all the different conference re alignments it's been going on,
you guys are adding in. Is it just Texas and
Oklahoma to the SEC this year or is there more
teams as well?
Speaker 3 (05:40):
I think it's just them too.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Yeah, it's those two Big ten. I know the PAC
twelve dispersed, which is heartbreaking for me personally. But all
the teams in all the different places, which teams are
you really interested in seeing how they adapt to the
new conferences styles of play? Because I feel like SEC
is very different from the pack as it is from
the Big ten and eight, and so do you think
that there's gonna have to be adjustment or adaptations for
(06:04):
how these teams move through their new conferences?
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Honestly, I do, because you know, SEC is probably the
hardest conference right now. Hey, I'm just saying I do.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
Feel like it's going to be like I wouldn't say
a hard adjustment, but like getting used to like the
physicality and like how everyone plays and how fast this
pace is everything.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
When it comes to the SEC. So yeah, yeah, I
feel like you might tell you might take them up
a little bit. But other than that, yeah, I think
it'll be really interesting for Texas and Oklahoma because obviously
the Big twelve has physicality, but I don't think, like
you said, it's on the level of the SEC and
also how deep specifically women's basketball is in the SEC.
(06:48):
Even teams like you know, Mississippi State, who may have
up and down years, it is hard to play them,
especially they're like all those different little pieces to it.
So do you feel like there is an atmosphere that
is like really fun to play at. I know when
we played y'all at South Carolina, like that was lit.
When y'all came to us at Stanford, that was fun.
I remember in the pack playing at Oregon when they
(07:09):
had Sabrina Sattoo and Ruthie. My god, it was loud
in there. Like there's those atmospheres that I always look
forward to. Do you feel like there's something like that. SEC.
I've heard LSU was a crazy place to play Mississippi State.
Where else are big places where they've like.
Speaker 1 (07:23):
Good Tennessee, Like, oh yeah, it's crazy when I say
Tennessee and probably uh, well, the first time we played
Mississippi State at Mississippi State, I think I was injured,
but it was really loud, and I think it was
the beginning of the game was kind of challenging. Yeah,
so I felt like that'd probably be another place like
where it's gonna be like a real good atmosphere.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
Oh, ellis you as well? Last year they was they
pecked it out.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
So yeah, that was a crazy game. You even watched
on TV like it looked insane and the comeback y'all had.
I know they were pissed, they were hot, it was,
but it's okay, whatever, that's their problem, not yours. So
moving into the season, you guys are coming off raiding
national champions and you guys lost some big pieces, but
at the same time, you guys were so deep, so
(08:12):
it doesn't really feel like it. It doesn't really even
feel like a reload, just because you guys are now
going to step into new roles and so think you
have some of your teammates and new roles are gonna
they're gonna take on this year. Talk to me about
Tessa Johnson, the huge Final four that she had. What
stride do you feel like you've seen her make an
off season and the big season that she's gonna have.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
I ahead, Well, I feel like she's been learning how
to just turn the page and like just keep going.
I mean she's growing as a person and a player.
So I mean just her growing as a person player
and just like just becoming better than he was Final four.
Like I give her props every day I practice out.
Let her know, like keep going, like we love that
Final four testake, keep that through the whole season, like
(08:53):
you need that.
Speaker 3 (08:55):
Yeah, I mean that's really.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
Like her just growing as a person and a player,
like her knowing how how everything it is now and
like the program and easier way to learn plays and
stuff like that. So hers is growing as the players.
Speaker 2 (09:11):
Yeah, I think so too. Like you said, like you
don't want that to just be final for Tessa, you
want that all season long because that's what's gonna help
you guys. Get back to that. And I like, whenever
you be having teammates, and mom said, you want to
pop out? Where has that been? I want that every day?
Speaker 3 (09:25):
Like I don't want it.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
Exactly, like I know you have it in you give
it every day. Please, I don't want it just very now.
And then yeah, I think that's a real thing. But
diving into you in your early hoops journey, we could
take it way back growing up in Ellenwood, Georgia. You
as are a basketball family. Both parents played. Do you
want basketball? Okay, maybe a little controversy here. Who's the
(09:47):
better hooper? Mom or dad? Oh?
Speaker 3 (09:52):
Oh why do Yeah?
Speaker 2 (09:54):
I'm saying we're gonna send them this clip specifically believe it.
Who's the better who?
Speaker 3 (10:00):
Honestly? Like, they're both really good.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
Oh please, now, no cop out.
Speaker 3 (10:08):
I'm gonna say. I'm gonna say my mom okay, but
but my dad too. My dad's good too.
Speaker 2 (10:14):
Yeah, they're both good. Whatever, but you're picking, I'm going
I'm say my mom, Okay, I like it. And so
did they just put the ball in your hands at
a young age or how did you get into basketball?
Was it always only basketball or what was your journey like?
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Well, honestly, it was more of a my mom will
go to the gym, Like after school or whatever, she'll
go to the gym.
Speaker 3 (10:35):
She will hoop, but like.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
Me and my little brother would just run around like
when they got done hooping, like we'll go pick up
the balls and we'll try to shoot and stuff. So
I just end up and joining it. And then my
mom will put me in directly. So after she put
me in directly, like I'm playing against I'm playing with boys,
and I'm also playing against boys, so like, yeah, I'm
playing with the boys now and she's making me like
(10:57):
play harder, like stronger with the boys. But I switched
to a girls team, but end up still playing against boys.
But every time we play against girls, I guess, like
my mom would say I wouldn't play as hard as
I would play against when I.
Speaker 3 (11:09):
Was playing against boys. Huh, But I don't believe that.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
Didn't that's when I had played against actually my AAU
team okay, played in the direct league, I guess, and
I played against them, and then after that they're just
like we want her, and I just started playing with them.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
And there I went, yeah, you win. Oh I love that. Okay,
moms always be having something to say about that, Like
I feel like I'm playing the same, But how are
you gonna tell me what I was doing?
Speaker 3 (11:36):
Yeah against the boys?
Speaker 2 (11:38):
You feel like I'm playing hard against the boys, and
I'm playing that hard against the girls exactly like you. No,
I don't need to hear any of that, right, Yeah,
I'm with you completely, But so do you feel like
there was any local Georgia players that maybe you looked
up to in high school? Or it could be taking
bits and pieces from other people's games that you then
applied to your own game.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
I wouldn't say Georgia, but I would say, like, like
when I was younger, I used to like try to
learn how to dribble because I want to be my dad, say,
I look, you play like a guard in the post
for everybody. But it's only because like I don't want
to really be knowing how to like be shipping, like
do what out the court.
Speaker 3 (12:18):
Like every want to be on it. So like I
really used.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
To like watch a lot of Asia Wilson and Blake
Griffin actually really.
Speaker 3 (12:27):
Yeah, because I used to really want to know how
to done.
Speaker 2 (12:29):
And then I kind of like, just you know, that's
a good person to pick if you're trying to dun.
You get older, you're just like all right, now this
goes kind of like you're like, okay, so what are
my actual strengths? Am I about to? I got here?
I was the same way. I was like, oh yeah,
I don't finn to get out there. Yeah on somebody.
And then I got to say it when I saw
a friend dunk and I said, oh so I'm not
(12:50):
like you, and that's okay. He focus on my strengths.
You know. That's fine. It's a little humbling, but it's okay.
Speaker 3 (12:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
But talking about your upbringing playing with your AAU team
tells me about your recruiting process, because you were a
very high recruit, number one four in your class, number
four overall. When did you feel like you started getting
recruited for real, Like, Okay, I'm going to go to college.
I'm gonna be a D one player.
Speaker 3 (13:15):
I was getting recruited in the seventh grade, I believe, okay, but.
Speaker 1 (13:20):
Like I really didn't like really understand what it meant.
Like it would come to me and was like you
got to offer from I think my first two offers
was from LSU and Old Miss.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (13:28):
It was like I got those in it, and I
was like like, okay, I don't know, like what you want,
Like I don't know what to say about that. And
then there just like grew and then when the letters
started coming in the midl and then I just started
getting Then I started going on official visits and stuff
because I didn't make it til the official visits because
of COVID, but unofficial visits allowing me to make the
(13:51):
right choice when it came to like coming to school.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
Yeah, my recruiting was actually fun.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
I knew I was going to be do you one
athlete after I probably say me going into high school?
Speaker 3 (14:04):
I knew that I was probably I was gonna be
for sure.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
I didn't even think about how COVID must have impacted
your recruiting experience.
Speaker 3 (14:11):
It did, but you ended up.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Making the right decision in South Carolina for you, What
do you feel like set South Carolina apart for the
rest of the schools you were looking at to end
up making the decision to be a game Cock.
Speaker 3 (14:23):
I just wanted to grow as a player.
Speaker 1 (14:25):
I mean, I knew like certain schools that I went to,
like I was probably I wouldn't say probably be the same,
but not be able to grow as much as I
grew here. So I say, like I'm to South Carolina,
you can grow as a player, I mean and as
a person outside of basketball, is like it's everything just
to be around coach Staley.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
I mean she.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
Teaches you a lot of stuff that you need to
know when you get older.
Speaker 1 (14:49):
So I'll say, like being able to grow after I
mean Aliyah Camilla. It was a lot of post players
my freshman year, but being able to wealth from all
of them is just like amazing. I mean just to
know that nobody what just to trust my process. I mean,
(15:10):
everybody process is different. So I've just been learning to
trust my process and to just learn from that way,
learn from them, learning different things as in moving my
feet better, as in when it's own blocks, when it's
time to guard, guard, guard to guard.
Speaker 3 (15:24):
So like learning those things is just like helped me
a lot.
Speaker 2 (15:28):
Yeah, I mean that led right into my next question.
I was gonna say, learning from Aliah, Victoria Cameilla, all
these big post presences when you come in as a freshman,
and so what were those first practices like having to
go against those people in the paint.
Speaker 1 (15:43):
Actually I really enjoyed it, actually because joy, like I said,
I used to play with boys, so me playing with
boys like.
Speaker 3 (15:49):
They was already stronger than me, already bigger than me.
So me coming here alia them was already stronger than me.
There was already bigger than me.
Speaker 1 (15:56):
But I took on the talent of competing with them
because my eyes, I don't think no one's better than me.
So if I have the confidence of I'm better than everybody,
then I feel like I'm better than everybody, and the
talent's one guarding them and playing against them as Sinaia Fagan.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
And I mean it just went from there.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
Yeah, I think that that's such a good mindset to have,
especially as a young player, because it's hard. The transition
from high school to college is hard, and I feel
like people don't talk about it. Even being a top
recruit out of high school. You're coming in and it's
like everybody was a top recruit. Everybody did what you did,
and so now it's figuring out how do, like you said,
be Sanai Fagan on that stage and keep everything about you,
(16:37):
but then at the same time taking bits and pieces
from players like Camilla and Aliyah and adapting those to
your own game. And so it's hard, it's humbling. I know,
I was humbled. Oh my gosh, I came in. I
remember I a guard like DJ Carrington my first day
of summer. Do you know where you're picking me up?
Full court? I'm like, girl, give me a break. I'm exhausted.
I'm seventeen, like you're twenty one. Give me a break.
Speaker 3 (17:01):
But it's very humbling.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
But I think that with the right mindset, it just
leads to more growth. But staying on your freshman year
a little bit. Winning your freshman year, I feel like
it's such an interesting thing because you're like, Okay, well
we win every year, you know what I mean? Like
it set your mindset to be like, okay, well, how
can it be anything else? And so after winning your
freshman year being the program second Natty, how did that
(17:25):
kind of shape your mindset to be like, Okay, how
do we continue this for the next four years? Like
is that now an expectation for your class to go for.
Speaker 1 (17:32):
For four Yes, it is an expectation because we want
to end off winin Natty as well, Like we don't
want to go home like sad.
Speaker 2 (17:40):
Because that's how do you not win? You just go
home off a loss?
Speaker 1 (17:44):
Right, Like the ending of my college career, like I
don't want to go home like sad. I want to
go home happy. So it's like sure, I feel like
it is an expectation. That's like we can actually.
Speaker 2 (17:53):
Reach that expectation and we okay, all right, I'm with you.
So moving into sophomore year, deep team with Aliyah Breez, listen,
you guys were definitely the team to be and losing
the eye on the final four heartbreaking and it's an
intense game, huge moment. What do you remember about that game?
Speaker 1 (18:14):
I just remember like just cheering my team one, like
knowing that it was down, knowing that like some like
felt defeated. I still sat there and tried to like
let them know that the game isn't over, Like no
matter what, the game isn't over. We have a whole
another quarter left, Like we can come back. You can
do what we have to do, Like we're built for this,
like we're here, like this is where we want to be,
(18:36):
this is where we're used to being, so push through
and like we can do this.
Speaker 3 (18:40):
Like yo, we're good, Like calm down, y'all, we're good.
We're good.
Speaker 1 (18:45):
So, I mean it still didn't go in our favorite
but yeah, I still like try to motivate the team
and just like help them understand that they're built for this.
And yeah, it's okay that sometimes you lose a game, but.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
Yeah, it's it's it's hard. And I feel like the
final four loss is so hard compared to us. I
don't know, losing in any final four is heartbreaking, especially
when you're in the semis. It's just horrible. So and
that was too, Yeah, yeah that as well. Yeah, and
so moving into your next season, I mean, you guys
(19:20):
were counted out, yes, from the jump, after losing the
senior class, the freshies, all those things, lost the final four,
losing the freshies, y'all were counted out. And so how
did the returning players with a big freshman class coming in,
but you guys with a Nattie Enderervelt final four experience,
how did you guys change that heartbreak into motivation moving
into your next season knowing you were counted out, having
(19:42):
all these obstacles against you, what was the locker room
kind of like, what were the vibes?
Speaker 3 (19:47):
Well, honestly, to begin with, we didn't really even think
that we're going.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
To be as good as we were until we went
to Paris and played against Notre Dame, and then at
the end of the game, it was like, oh yeah, y'all,
we've got to be.
Speaker 3 (20:01):
Fire. Like that's how we was looking at others like
it was just giving.
Speaker 1 (20:04):
Everybody they like their cookies or whatever, because like, oh yeah,
like it's up. And then from there we just had
the mindset of nobody could beat us. And then we
grew together as a team, like we didn't know each
other that much, but like we knew each other enough,
and then like from knowing each other that much, we
like bonded, like as an we team bonded. I swear
(20:27):
like three times a week and that's for a whole
year of a season, like three times a week bonding
with your team. You don't really hear that. Like, so
it was like us bonding the way that we did,
Like we grew so close to each other and just
like we just knew like what to expect from one
another and like how to talk to one another like
(20:47):
all of that.
Speaker 3 (20:48):
So it's just like us.
Speaker 1 (20:49):
Growing that way, just change our mindset and with mean
and one in national.
Speaker 2 (20:54):
Tables, Yeah, you went the distance. I think that's so
funny for to hear we had to on and you
guys talking about how like you didn't think that that
was going to be the journey for you guys, and
then having a game like Notre Dame because you guys
like y'all handed it to him in a very like
it was. It was a bit of a whooping for real,
Like I don't think that anybody expected you guys to
(21:17):
win in that manner, you know what I mean? And
so to hear that, you know, the summer leading up
to it, all these different things, like you guys weren't
feeling that way. It's so interesting, But I see what
you're saying about the team dynamic and team bonding three
times a week. Do you feel like that led into
why you guys were so good? Like having that off
court chemistry led into you know, there's times of people
(21:39):
bigger on the court. That's just the way it works
because of its high competitive game. But you guys being
so close those relationships that you had led into the
success that you ended up having.
Speaker 1 (21:48):
Like you were saying, like they're biggering on the court,
Like we know how to talk to each other as teammates.
So like when it came to like someone kept making
the same mistake, we would tell them like come on,
like locking, we know you better than what you're doing
right now, Like yeah, together, and we will talk to
each other the way that they will understand, but also
like pushing them to do what they need to do.
(22:08):
So I'll say it like just bickering and like just
being there for one another, like if somebody's having an
off game, like just sticking there and just like like
you're good, like we got you, Like you have.
Speaker 3 (22:21):
A bad game.
Speaker 1 (22:22):
Everybody has bad games, Like we can stick through together
as a team, like and help you get through this,
but help each other get through this as well.
Speaker 2 (22:30):
Yeah, I think those little things are what allows teams
to go the distance, cause seasons are long, things get tough,
people getting tired. But like by the time you get
to a final four to the tournament, when y'all still
like each other and are bought into one another, that's
what lets you keep going. And I think that's so
important where you see a lot of teams with all
the talent in the world, but they don't have that
connectivity that allows them to keep going and get through
(22:53):
those tough times. So I think we all definitely saw
that watching you guys play last year. How connected you were,
and like the bench, like how excited y'all were hyped
up after every bucket, after every small play.
Speaker 3 (23:06):
I think it's so genuine. I think it was kind
of genuine.
Speaker 1 (23:09):
It wasn't like fake love, like we wasn't as sure
you have the fake love, was actually genuine like yeah,
actually like was happy for one another, happy for each other.
Speaker 3 (23:16):
So like it's just like just knowing that we actually
like happy for each other is.
Speaker 2 (23:20):
Like yeah, really, yeah for sure, And that's what makes
it fun. Like when you're having fun like that, you're
gonna that's when you have those extra players of diving
on the floor of like Okay, I'm exhausted, but like
I love my teammates, so I'm gonna push through for them.
So I think that leads to so much success. And
you can tell it's genuine, and you could tell when
it's not, and that's when things go off the rails.
(23:41):
And so talking about last season, I feel like you
guys kind of had some rivalries going on the SEC.
We talked a little bit about LSU and Tennessee and
how hyped up those games were and all eyes nationwide
were on you guys during those matchups. So how would
you describe those atmospheres, but also those little rivalries that
seemed to be forming within the conference.
Speaker 1 (24:03):
I enjoy it actually, like just being around like their
fan their fan base is like I say, LSU, Like
going to LSU and being around their fan base and
knowing that like.
Speaker 3 (24:14):
It really want us to lose so bad.
Speaker 1 (24:15):
And it was just like we just pushed through as
a team and like we believed in each other and
we trusted each other just to like get through what
was going through, Like not even what was going through anything,
but like we were down like people were doing at
least like ten but like we came back and we
fought with each other as a team and we ended
up winning. And then tennessee, oh gosh, it's just always
(24:37):
hard playing there.
Speaker 3 (24:38):
I don't know why, but it's just it just is.
Speaker 1 (24:40):
I think it's because their atmosphere as well, but like
just push it through and just I mean just having
each other back as well, Like it's really challenging playing there,
but we pushed through.
Speaker 2 (24:52):
Yeah, it be the best to win at those places too,
like just to shove it to you a little bit more, Yeah,
yeah for sure. Wow, But thank y'all, y'all help us
out a little bit because honestly, like you kind of
feed off the away crowd a little bit when they're
doing when you guys are down, like when y'all were
down at half against LSU, I'm from the locker room,
Like that gets you hyped up to like go against
(25:13):
the crowd as well as the team. It's definitely a thing.
Speaker 1 (25:16):
And do you like feel like you didn't like realize
like what are you going wrong at certain situations like
going to work and like what you can be better
at doing with each other. So it's just like just
knowing that is really good.
Speaker 2 (25:28):
Yeah, And I feel like we talked about the connectivity
of you guys, but I think also how deep you
guys are as a team your in and year out
is actually insane because you guys can create so many
starting lineups, whether it be just like five people from
the bench and are mixing with the starters or just
y'all five five, whatever it may be. And the bench
production that you guys have isn't like a lot of
(25:50):
other programs and what they're able to do you usually
see a dip. And so how much pride does the
team take in being so deep every year and players
being in different roles and understanding to be ready when
their name is called, like you talked about in your
freshman and sophomore seasons.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
I think that's what, like it really gets everybody just
to know that as a player, I mean, you're never
you're not going to end your head like oh, I
have to sit on the bitch first, Like oh, like
this is saying but as in us, like as in
bench players and bitch bitch production goes along, it's like
we're like, oh, we could be that spark off the bench,
(26:26):
like we can boost the score up a little bit
more like yeah, they're doing good, we can also like
we can do good too, like boo, just be.
Speaker 2 (26:33):
Ready no matter what.
Speaker 1 (26:33):
Just stay ready like number called, just go you ready,
you're ready, Like we'll sit at the table, be like
you ready, We're ready.
Speaker 3 (26:41):
Ready, let's go, let's.
Speaker 1 (26:42):
Do this and we'll just go out and we do
so just be like you be able to like but
enjoy it, but not enjoy but enjoy it, like yeah,
coming off of being a spark or coming off and
I having no type of like sad vibes to being
the bench player, like being coming off the bench, Like
that's what made it so excitement just like being ready,
like not just one person, but everybody on the beach
(27:04):
is ready.
Speaker 2 (27:05):
Yeah, that's that's scary. It's scary for sure.
Speaker 3 (27:09):
That everybody no way, So it was like this is
really good.
Speaker 2 (27:14):
Yeah. I think it really just speaks to the culture
of what you guys have created there because a lot
of people you can take it and be like, oh,
I'm coming off the bench whatever. But like if you
change your mindset to embrace that role of being the
spark and continuing the juice that's going and let's say
the starters aren't doing hot and y'all come in, you're like,
all right, this is our time. We got to get
busy right now. It changes the whole momentum of the
(27:36):
game and the way that you guys are able to
impact it. Talking about the NCAA tournament run you guys
had last year, y'all were on a mission. Losing the
potal four such a different type of fire under the
team to come out and win it the next year.
And I believe the Sweet sixteen game Indiana was a
little close. Do you feel like that was maybe like
(27:57):
a pivotal moment for you guys to be like, Okay,
like we still got to show up. Even though we're
doing all the things we are having this main season,
we still got to lock in for every matchup.
Speaker 3 (28:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (28:07):
Well, I don't know if you guys notice, but like
we started like winning so much, and then like we
started taking our foot off the gas and we might
see like we had to talk about it like within
each other, like not with the coaches or anything, but
like within each other, like letting each other know, like
we cannot.
Speaker 3 (28:23):
Do this no more. Like the Tennessee game was enough stress,
so wet ourselves through. No more stress when it comes
to like being where we want to be at.
Speaker 1 (28:31):
So it's just like just talk to each other, let
each other know that we can't take no games easy.
Like everybody wanted to be in this in this position.
Everybody wants to be a national championship. So everybody's going
to play like they want to be a national champion.
And it's just like just push through. Like Sweet sixteen,
they came back, Indiana came back at the end, scared
(28:52):
us a little bit, but we pushed through, like just
pushed through as a team, like y'all we're good, Like
just keep keep your foot on the gas.
Speaker 3 (28:58):
Just keep your foot no gas, and we just kept
saying that, like.
Speaker 2 (29:01):
Keep us good. I mean, y'all close off Indiana, be
the good organ State team. Y'all gave NC State some
of the business in that final four and then heading
into the championship game, everybody want to see. Everybody want
to see that head matchup with Iowa. How were you
guys able to like block out the noise but also
embrace the moment at the same time and find that
(29:22):
right balance to be able to rise the occasion for
a national championship game.
Speaker 1 (29:26):
Well, honestly, we just like we sat there and we
told each other like the people that have been in
position before, like we've been here before, Like we know
what to expect, Like this is going to be a
good game, but don't even think of it as like
they think of it as in this this is what
we told each other for real, like this is your
last game, like put it, put everything on the line,
like real, that's gay, Like give it your all, like
(29:47):
we have nothing else to like nothing else to do
after this, Like this is your last game, Like give
it your all. And that's basically we told each other
and the beginning of the game a little first couple
of minutes. I mean, stuff happens, you.
Speaker 2 (29:59):
Know, Yeah, you gotta settle in. It's fine.
Speaker 1 (30:01):
We look back, we shook back, and we just finished
off the way that we need to finish off.
Speaker 3 (30:07):
And I mean it's how it went.
Speaker 2 (30:10):
Yeah, and it ended how I was supposed to happen
and how I was supposed to And I think it's
like when you talk like you do have to settle
in a little bit, because like you're so hyped up
for the moment and you're like, okay, like we still
got to get back to playing our game, like you
talk about actually like hi, yeah, just going crazy. It
was crazy. What was it like for you and you
(30:33):
guys as a team to get to see Ravens specifically
have those moments of having that shake back for her
own individual performance, locking up defensively, running the team, doing
all the things. How excited were you guys see her
really own that moment.
Speaker 3 (30:48):
Well, we'd be seeing Raven practice like be that Raven.
Speaker 1 (30:52):
So it's like we knew in her heart like she
felt like she felt like she was so ready for
the game, Like yeah, we can see it on her
and like shoot around and practice and stuff. So it
was just like knowing that she was ready, like we
got to be here with her, Like we can just
allow her to be ready, and we're not ready with her,
So like her being ready is like boosted us being ready,
(31:13):
like us staying ready because we know how bad she
wanted it, but we wanted as bad as well. So
it's like just pushing with her. Her being like the
spark of her like changing the game around, just like
letting us know.
Speaker 3 (31:25):
That y'all we hear her.
Speaker 2 (31:27):
Like yeah, So like her being that spark like really
like helped us be that spark as well. Yeah. And
then did you feel a difference between winning the Natty
your freshman year compared to winning it your junior year?
Like was there just a different vibe for you, maybe
feeling more involved in the win or like you being
a leader this time? What's the difference? How hype were
(31:49):
you after winning that last year?
Speaker 3 (31:50):
Last year?
Speaker 1 (31:51):
I was real hype because, like you said, just being involved,
Like my freshman year, I was involved, but I wasn't
involved as I was my junior And just to know
that I helped my team get to where we are,
like I helped us win the national championship, it felt
really great. Because that was a part of it, like
I helped like make this happen. So I guess it
(32:12):
felt so much better, like not so much better, but
it felt it was so much more exciting because it's
like why I actually helped like get us here, I
have actually helped like help us win.
Speaker 3 (32:23):
Ye, yeah, like exciting.
Speaker 2 (32:25):
It's it's a different feeling, like both are natties, but
it's like okay, like I did that, I was, I
got you. It's a little bit different, which is so cool.
Moving into our next segment here, these next two questions
are sponsored by our lovely sponsor. So far so NIL
has changed the game forever. So we need to get
serious about our money. What's the biggest piece of financial
(32:46):
advice you've gotten through the NIL process?
Speaker 1 (32:50):
To you it wisely, I mean, just to like be
responsible with your money because it's at the end of
the day, you have goals like outside of just like
what's here, realistic things, and you don't want to be
getting money from nio deals and then like spending on
materialistic things like yeah, it's okay to spend it ale
matullist things, but like at the end of the day,
(33:12):
like when your career is over, you want to be
able to build on like your in I like, build
from your n IO deal.
Speaker 3 (33:19):
So as in like getting your house or.
Speaker 1 (33:23):
Getting cars, not getting cars, but getting a car that
you're able to You get what I'm saying.
Speaker 2 (33:29):
Yeah, yeah, think long term of course, like everything else
like no, yes, but being financially responsible and like like
if you need to.
Speaker 1 (33:38):
Take care of your family, take care of your family
like stuff like that. So I say, like just being
sparked with your money decisions and just like I mean,
protecting yourself honestly, Yeah, you know.
Speaker 2 (33:49):
That's that's good advice. Thinking long term beyond basketball all
the things I'm with you, I'm with you, okay, and
thinking long term and with all those things like a house,
cars are big investments. So what are some things outside
of basketball that you're passionate about or interested in that
you may want to invest in one day?
Speaker 1 (34:09):
Honestly, my goal after like I get done playing basketball,
I want to own my own daycare. How I way, Yeah,
investing in like a building, like probably building my own
building like for my daycare.
Speaker 3 (34:22):
Yeah, so yeah, that's probably what my biggest investment would be.
Speaker 2 (34:25):
Have you always wanted to do that? That's amazing honestly know.
At first, I want to be a ven area Okay,
never realized how much school I had to do.
Speaker 3 (34:34):
And then so you're like a maybe not. And then
like I've.
Speaker 1 (34:39):
Always like enjoyed being around kids and like just loving
going to children. So it was just like knowing so
much stuff going on with the daycare situations, how people
don't really trust their children going to daycare. I want
to be the person to be able to give them
my trust as in making the daycare and like, yeah,
you know, for who I am, I feel like you'll
go really far.
Speaker 2 (35:00):
Yeah that's amazing. Oh my gosh. Well when I have
kids and you have your daycare, maybe I'll send them
your way, all right, okay for sure? And then also
think about NIL, how have you been able to balance
your NIL obligations with basketball but also school on top
of all those things.
Speaker 3 (35:17):
Well, I say, first, I am a student athlete.
Speaker 1 (35:20):
I mean, and IO did come afterwards, So handle my
responsibilities first. And then like I go through like the
NIO stuff, but I will say I handle my responsibilities before.
Speaker 3 (35:31):
I do in IO. Yeah, for sure, I do my
work throughout the week.
Speaker 1 (35:35):
Well, And like coach doesn't play about like us having
like practice or nothing, like we have practice, don't do
no nio, Like, yeah, you have some times when you
can't do nio like didn't do it. But as agents
and stuff, I feel like they understay will understand that.
Speaker 2 (35:50):
So yeah, for sure, it's like you're not gonna have
nil without having your school and basketball set first, Like
those deals are gonna come when you have your grades
right so you can play and then you before me
on the court. So it's definitely there's definitely like tears
to it in the way that these things are most
important to you.
Speaker 3 (36:05):
The way you can't get in if you're not really
doing good.
Speaker 2 (36:09):
If you're not if you're not hooping like that.
Speaker 3 (36:11):
But you can't get on the court if you're doing
good in the classroom.
Speaker 2 (36:13):
So exactly, school and yeahballah, I am exactly. Yeah, I'm
with you. Well, moving into your senior season, in terms
of preparation, what you want to accomplish for yourself personally,
what things did you work on the off season that
you want to see shine through as you step into
this big year.
Speaker 1 (36:33):
Honestly, I can't say this summer I work doing like
really getting in like the best shape that I could
losing a little weight. I feel like I was overweighted
to my point of movement, and like training my mental
because basketball is like a mental sport, So I say,
over the summer, like getting in the best shape and
(36:54):
training my mental be to.
Speaker 3 (36:55):
Be like the best it could be. So that's really
what I focused on the most.
Speaker 2 (36:59):
Is Okay, Well, I'm excited to see that come through.
And also just talking about your game has evolved refreshment
to junior and now into your senior year which we're
about to see. But also we've talked about you having
different roles on the team. You're on this team is
gonna be probably the biggest role that you've had so
far during your South Carolina career, not only as like
being a score being rebounder, being impact player, but you're
(37:22):
a leader this season. Like I'm sure everybody's looking up
to you. You're the old head on the team nowadays.
What is that like for you to transition your mental
to now, you know, not being like you want the
moms on the team, low key taking care of the youngins,
making sure they're straight, influencing showing them how the culture
is supposed to be at South Carolina.
Speaker 1 (37:40):
Basically like last year, I was getting more into like
being open and being talkative like to my teammates. When
it came to being on the court and off the court,
I feel like it really didn't changed that much because
like I learned it last year. But just also just
to be there, like to be the person that my
teammates come to to talk about about like things want
(38:01):
and off the court is a great feeling for myself
because it just lets me know that like then I'm there,
like they trust me to talk, they trust me to
just sit there and be an open ear to them.
I mean, to give them the advice that they need.
So it feels great to just be that person for
them and to know that they trust me with anything
they say.
Speaker 2 (38:21):
So yeah, now that's special. It's also weird being the
older person because you don't feel that old, right and
then you're like, Okay, why are you looking up to me.
I'm figuring it out myself.
Speaker 3 (38:29):
It's your place to be in.
Speaker 2 (38:32):
But this year, within the college landscape, there's so much
talent not only from seniors super seniors, but the incoming
freshmen as well. And so what about this South Carolina
team this year? We've heard Don's daycare last year, all
the different vibes of the team heading into this season,
what do you feel like makes you guys special and
what's going to be the thing that you write on
(38:54):
to take you to another natty.
Speaker 3 (38:55):
I'd probably say our love again.
Speaker 1 (38:57):
I mean, like we got a couple freshmen that this year,
and the way that they connected with us and they
clicked with us, it just made it seem like it's
the same team as last year, like the way that
we love each other, the way that we're like playing
off of each other.
Speaker 3 (39:11):
But I can't say now.
Speaker 1 (39:12):
And this year, but like we're actually showing it in
the summer, Like last summer really wasn't like.
Speaker 3 (39:18):
We're like, oh no, but this summer actually like.
Speaker 1 (39:21):
Showing in like actually like showing the way that we
got each other's back, like no matter what, like when
one it's down, we pick them up.
Speaker 3 (39:28):
We had others back through any and everything.
Speaker 1 (39:30):
So I guess like just showing it earlier this season,
like you're in practice and stuff is just like a
good start to know that how our senior year will
be going.
Speaker 2 (39:40):
That's good Compared to last year, y'all were like do
y'all could be a little shaky? We already of the confidence.
So that's scary for other teams. Then I like it. Okay,
So headed into our last section. This is gonna be
rapid fire answers. This is our vibe check. Do your best,
rapid fire. We've had some guests be really good and
some guests, no, not the best. So I believe in you.
(40:03):
What is the drill you never want to see on
the practice plan? Husky husky? But I was gonna say
every other South Carolina player Aliyah Tahina have all said
the wing the wing. You have a different one.
Speaker 3 (40:13):
Yes, I say husky. I actually enjoy wing the wing.
Speaker 2 (40:15):
Okay, so what's what's husky? What's so good about husky?
Speaker 3 (40:18):
Husky is like it's a past, past past, and then
like you're.
Speaker 1 (40:23):
Planning to get the highlighters, but it's like it's just
so quick, like everything is just so quick, and it
just be like it's so tiring, Like right when you
get off the court, you got to get right back
going there because the other group is going.
Speaker 3 (40:35):
Right when you go off.
Speaker 1 (40:35):
Then once say no time for rest, you ain't got
no time for rest. So it's like that's probably I'll probably.
Speaker 2 (40:42):
Say that's the worst one. Okay, game winning shot or
game winning block, game winning block and one or three
pointer and one off the court goes to sneaker. Uh
uh asis, Okay, do with TikTok with don On or
do a TikTok with Aliyah?
Speaker 3 (41:03):
Oh my gosh, yeah, I can't say both.
Speaker 2 (41:06):
You know, we need to put you in the hot
seat here. You gotta uh, I'm a text right after
and let let one of them know dance. That's not fair. Well,
don't you go to my girl Alah. She's gotten better
her and Donnie.
Speaker 1 (41:26):
They've gotten better with me though, and Aliah dances with me.
Every TikTok Aliah ever danced with he did the dance right.
So wherever hear these dances need to lock in because
come on doing whatever?
Speaker 3 (41:39):
She is like you TikTok?
Speaker 2 (41:43):
Like, first of all, we lost the beat and the dance,
so like, what are you doing? Yeah? I think the
same thing. Okay. Where is the toughest place to play
on the road, Tennessee? Okay, biggest trash talker on our team?
It could be on your team or anybody you've played
against in college.
Speaker 3 (42:01):
Alight, on our team.
Speaker 1 (42:03):
I feel like everybody talked junk like that's just how
we just talked to everybody.
Speaker 3 (42:08):
Bring, I would say last year will probably be.
Speaker 2 (42:11):
An Angel Okay, yeah, I got you. That's that's a
good pick. Who's been the hardest player you've had? The
guard Alyssa Peeley. Oh, very good choice. She is so good.
Oh my god. Okay, I guess flopper.
Speaker 1 (42:27):
Flopper flopper flopper, who'll be flopping all the time? Like,
uh yeah, like I don't like flopping. I can say
Anissa tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (42:40):
Okay, Okay, that's a do. I haven't heard that one yet.
All right, what's your biggest basketball ack?
Speaker 1 (42:46):
Like when you know you like they traveled or did
something wrong but the rough didn't call it, and then
then they talked dunk afterwards, Like you just talked dunk
after you know, you just sat here.
Speaker 3 (42:57):
And traveled around the world. Yeah, I try to talk
talk to me like, no, I agree, like, oh.
Speaker 2 (43:03):
You just really just did Like yeah, that's gross. I
feel like one for me kind of similar to that
is like would someone be yelling at one after they
didn't even get fouled. I'm like, you didn't even do nothing,
like yeah with me, I feel like a lot of
others like that. Okay, who's your basketball goat as wissen. Okay, good,
pick someone to play two on two with, But you
(43:25):
can't pick a teammate.
Speaker 3 (43:28):
Someone who play two on two with. But I can't
pick a.
Speaker 2 (43:30):
Teammate as in right now, right yeah, Don Staley. Of
course that's not a teammate, that's a coach.
Speaker 3 (43:36):
You didn't say it.
Speaker 2 (43:37):
That's a good pick, way, but a good pick.
Speaker 3 (43:40):
All right.
Speaker 2 (43:41):
What's your favorite pregame hype song.
Speaker 3 (43:44):
I actually don't really listen to hype music before the game.
I listened to gospel music.
Speaker 2 (43:48):
Oh god, it's been intentional okay by Harvis Green. Oh
that's good. That's good, Okay. I like that. I'm more
of an R and B girl before games. Not really
super like me. Mellow, very calm, calm, nerves. Yeah, okay.
Last question for you is what's your best impersonation of
coach Daily?
Speaker 3 (44:09):
Uh? Honestly, she loves saying my name, so it's really
like she just be yelling.
Speaker 2 (44:17):
Your name all the time.
Speaker 3 (44:19):
Loves my name. I swear again, like what is this
like Fagan and I'd be like, oh my gosh.
Speaker 1 (44:25):
Then actually, recently we're doing husky drill and Joyce had
passed me the ball, but it was a bounce past
and I literally literally I missed my whole hand, Like huh, I.
Speaker 3 (44:35):
Didn't know how I didn't catch it.
Speaker 2 (44:37):
She's like, Fagan, who you missed the whole Honestly, I
don't even know what. Sometimes you just gotta eat those ones.
You're just like, you know, my bad yep, Fagan, this
would have been so wonderful having you on. Thank you
so much for joining the pot, thank you so much
(44:57):
for having me of course, and the thank you everybody
for listening. Stay tuned for more episodes of Sometimes I
Hope the Players Tribute dot Com
We got a couple of freshmen that came in this year,
and the way that they connected with us and they
clicked with us, it just made it seem like it's
the same team as last year, like the way that
we love each other, the way that we're like playing
off with each other, but we got each other's back,
like no matter what, like when one is down, we
pick them up. I guess I just showing it earlier
this season, like hearing practice stuff is just like a
(00:22):
good start to know that how our senior year would
be gone.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Welcome back to sometimes. I hope today we've got a
dog on the pod. Quick humble brag McDonald's All American
Georgia Gatoray Player of the Year twenty twenty, a two
time Natty champ, not to mention the reigning national champ
none other than South Carolina's presence in the paint. Sanaia Fagan,
thanks for hopping on the pod.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
Thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
I'm so excited to have you. Well, a quick eyesbreaker
before we get into basketball talk is what was the
first concert that you ever went to?
Speaker 3 (00:57):
Concert? I don't really go to concerts, but I'll probably
say have you.
Speaker 2 (01:03):
Never been to one?
Speaker 3 (01:04):
Well, I've been to a Young Nudy concert down here.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
First of all, who the heck is young newdude is? No?
Speaker 3 (01:12):
Wow, it's a rapper out of Atlanta.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Oh, I feel like I should know that now that
I'm living here. But no, whoop? See Okay, anywhoe too? Honestly, honestly,
I bet I have Well damn now I feel like
super old or just really out of touch. Actually, okay,
so let's get back into basketball talk our landscape here.
You guys had a huge summer. How long did the
celebration last after winning the Natty? Did it die down
(01:37):
since it was your second one? Or did that make
it like more of an experience?
Speaker 1 (01:41):
It's still going on now, I mean we just went
oh for real, Yeah, we just went to the White House.
I did, But the team just went to the White House.
So I mean it's still going I mean, everybody's still
loving on us.
Speaker 3 (01:53):
And we still like so much love.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
So what do you feel like? Is the biggest park
that you've received from winning the Natty? Is there anything
cool around town? I saw you got your jersey retired,
which is amazing, number twenty in the rafters forever. All
those cool things. So what's been the coolest thing to
come out of it?
Speaker 3 (02:09):
I can't say. Probably my Judgy retirement. He's being recognized.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
I feel like also, like you're so closely removed from
high school, so to be able to already have it
be retired, it's kind of crazy. Was that you gotta
be the youngest person have to be retired? Right? I
actually think I am really first. Yeah, that's sick, that's amazing.
And then you talked about missing the White House because
you were playing with USA three on three and you won,
(02:34):
led the team to a seven year old record tournament
leading scorer and named MVP. Have you ever done three
on three before this? Or is this your first time playing?
Speaker 3 (02:43):
Actually, this was my first time playing.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
Okay, did you like it?
Speaker 3 (02:47):
I did like it.
Speaker 1 (02:47):
It was really cold, But other than it being really cold,
it's really cool.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
Yeah, because you guys play outside, right, and you were
in Mongolia, So what was that atmosphere like? Playing there?
Speaker 3 (02:57):
It was actually good. I mean, they with us a
couple of times.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
I mean, but I'm sure there's a lot of fans
out there though, Like they packed it out. They be
turned it up for real, they do, and three on
three is a really different hate from five on five
for people who don't know the three on three game stole,
especially with what is it fourteen second shot clock all
those different it's twelve Oh my god. Yeah, that's quick.
You gotta be in shape for those ten minutes. And
(03:23):
so do you feel like there was anything that you're
gonna be able to take from three on three that
will then be kind of a thing that you're taking
to your next five on five season, a different improvement maybe,
or something that will be able to apply.
Speaker 3 (03:37):
Honestly, yes, just moving faster.
Speaker 1 (03:39):
We turn the page faster because you have no time
to get the soak on a mislay up or soap
on display because the game go by so fast. So
it's just like to shake it off. You just once
sit the next play. I mean, that's all you can do.
Speaker 2 (03:52):
Yeah, ain't no time for nothing. Really, you got to
turn around and keep it pushion Yep. Yeah. I feel
like three on three it really it shows people like
weaknesses in a different way where it doesn't in five
on five because you have help side, like you got
to lock up one on one d. But I feel
like offensively, like in your college career, you've been a
lot of on the block presence and then three on
(04:13):
three I watched them the games. You are here getting
to do things from the wing, get to the ram,
make moves out the bounce, and so was that cool
to be able to maybe not even add to your
bag because it's always been there, but get to kind
of bring those things out of retirement, maybe give you
some more confidence moving into your senior season.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
I actually do think, yes, I do that actually because
I mean it's good to just go out there and
actually play, like, you know, just be freely.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
Oh yeah, it was yeah, really goodbye, It's happy to
senior season. That's when I'm hearing. I try to see it.
And so thinking about moving forward, you guys have a
big non conference schedule before you get into SEC play.
So do you feel like there is a game that
circled on the calendar that you guys are really looking
forward to play? Well, me, not really, I mean I'm
(05:00):
just very yeah against me and everybody, But I don't
know for the team, Like the team hasn't really been
talking about a team that they're like excited to play.
Speaker 3 (05:11):
So not quite sure.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
I mean I guess that makes sense. You are the
rating Natty Champs everybody's kind of got y'all circle on
the schedule. I'm sure, so y'all are just ready to
I mean, I feel like you guys are always the
team that's targeted, you know what I mean? You always
have that target on your back, and so you always
have to have that mindset of like everybody's game when
they play you, is.
Speaker 3 (05:30):
There, Natty? Is their busy yep?
Speaker 2 (05:32):
With all the different conference re alignments it's been going on,
you guys are adding in. Is it just Texas and
Oklahoma to the SEC this year or is there more
teams as well?
Speaker 3 (05:40):
I think it's just them too.
Speaker 2 (05:41):
Yeah, it's those two Big ten. I know the PAC
twelve dispersed, which is heartbreaking for me personally. But all
the teams in all the different places, which teams are
you really interested in seeing how they adapt to the
new conferences styles of play? Because I feel like SEC
is very different from the pack as it is from
the Big ten and eight, and so do you think
that there's gonna have to be adjustment or adaptations for
(06:04):
how these teams move through their new conferences?
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Honestly, I do, because you know, SEC is probably the
hardest conference right now. Hey, I'm just saying I do.
Speaker 1 (06:16):
Feel like it's going to be like I wouldn't say
a hard adjustment, but like getting used to like the
physicality and like how everyone plays and how fast this
pace is everything.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
When it comes to the SEC. So yeah, yeah, I
feel like you might tell you might take them up
a little bit. But other than that, yeah, I think
it'll be really interesting for Texas and Oklahoma because obviously
the Big twelve has physicality, but I don't think, like
you said, it's on the level of the SEC and
also how deep specifically women's basketball is in the SEC.
(06:48):
Even teams like you know, Mississippi State, who may have
up and down years, it is hard to play them,
especially they're like all those different little pieces to it.
So do you feel like there is an atmosphere that
is like really fun to play at. I know when
we played y'all at South Carolina, like that was lit.
When y'all came to us at Stanford, that was fun.
I remember in the pack playing at Oregon when they
(07:09):
had Sabrina Sattoo and Ruthie. My god, it was loud
in there. Like there's those atmospheres that I always look
forward to. Do you feel like there's something like that. SEC.
I've heard LSU was a crazy place to play Mississippi State.
Where else are big places where they've like.
Speaker 1 (07:23):
Good Tennessee, Like, oh yeah, it's crazy when I say
Tennessee and probably uh, well, the first time we played
Mississippi State at Mississippi State, I think I was injured,
but it was really loud, and I think it was
the beginning of the game was kind of challenging. Yeah,
so I felt like that'd probably be another place like
where it's gonna be like a real good atmosphere.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
Oh, ellis you as well? Last year they was they
pecked it out.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
So yeah, that was a crazy game. You even watched
on TV like it looked insane and the comeback y'all had.
I know they were pissed, they were hot, it was,
but it's okay, whatever, that's their problem, not yours. So
moving into the season, you guys are coming off raiding
national champions and you guys lost some big pieces, but
at the same time, you guys were so deep, so
(08:12):
it doesn't really feel like it. It doesn't really even
feel like a reload, just because you guys are now
going to step into new roles and so think you
have some of your teammates and new roles are gonna
they're gonna take on this year. Talk to me about
Tessa Johnson, the huge Final four that she had. What
stride do you feel like you've seen her make an
off season and the big season that she's gonna have.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
I ahead, Well, I feel like she's been learning how
to just turn the page and like just keep going.
I mean she's growing as a person and a player.
So I mean just her growing as a person player
and just like just becoming better than he was Final four.
Like I give her props every day I practice out.
Let her know, like keep going, like we love that
Final four testake, keep that through the whole season, like
(08:53):
you need that.
Speaker 3 (08:55):
Yeah, I mean that's really.
Speaker 1 (08:56):
Like her just growing as a person and a player,
like her knowing how how everything it is now and
like the program and easier way to learn plays and
stuff like that. So hers is growing as the players.
Speaker 2 (09:11):
Yeah, I think so too. Like you said, like you
don't want that to just be final for Tessa, you
want that all season long because that's what's gonna help
you guys. Get back to that. And I like, whenever
you be having teammates, and mom said, you want to
pop out? Where has that been? I want that every day?
Speaker 3 (09:25):
Like I don't want it.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
Exactly, like I know you have it in you give
it every day. Please, I don't want it just very now.
And then yeah, I think that's a real thing. But
diving into you in your early hoops journey, we could
take it way back growing up in Ellenwood, Georgia. You
as are a basketball family. Both parents played. Do you
want basketball? Okay, maybe a little controversy here. Who's the
(09:47):
better hooper? Mom or dad? Oh?
Speaker 3 (09:52):
Oh why do Yeah?
Speaker 2 (09:54):
I'm saying we're gonna send them this clip specifically believe it.
Who's the better who?
Speaker 3 (10:00):
Honestly? Like, they're both really good.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
Oh please, now, no cop out.
Speaker 3 (10:08):
I'm gonna say. I'm gonna say my mom okay, but
but my dad too. My dad's good too.
Speaker 2 (10:14):
Yeah, they're both good. Whatever, but you're picking, I'm going
I'm say my mom, Okay, I like it. And so
did they just put the ball in your hands at
a young age or how did you get into basketball?
Was it always only basketball or what was your journey like?
Speaker 1 (10:28):
Well, honestly, it was more of a my mom will
go to the gym, Like after school or whatever, she'll
go to the gym.
Speaker 3 (10:35):
She will hoop, but like.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
Me and my little brother would just run around like
when they got done hooping, like we'll go pick up
the balls and we'll try to shoot and stuff. So
I just end up and joining it. And then my
mom will put me in directly. So after she put
me in directly, like I'm playing against I'm playing with boys,
and I'm also playing against boys, so like, yeah, I'm
playing with the boys now and she's making me like
(10:57):
play harder, like stronger with the boys. But I switched
to a girls team, but end up still playing against boys.
But every time we play against girls, I guess, like
my mom would say I wouldn't play as hard as
I would play against when I.
Speaker 3 (11:09):
Was playing against boys. Huh, But I don't believe that.
Speaker 1 (11:13):
Didn't that's when I had played against actually my AAU
team okay, played in the direct league, I guess, and
I played against them, and then after that they're just
like we want her, and I just started playing with them.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
And there I went, yeah, you win. Oh I love that. Okay,
moms always be having something to say about that, Like
I feel like I'm playing the same, But how are
you gonna tell me what I was doing?
Speaker 3 (11:36):
Yeah against the boys?
Speaker 2 (11:38):
You feel like I'm playing hard against the boys, and
I'm playing that hard against the girls exactly like you. No,
I don't need to hear any of that, right, Yeah,
I'm with you completely, But so do you feel like
there was any local Georgia players that maybe you looked
up to in high school? Or it could be taking
bits and pieces from other people's games that you then
applied to your own game.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
I wouldn't say Georgia, but I would say, like, like
when I was younger, I used to like try to
learn how to dribble because I want to be my dad, say,
I look, you play like a guard in the post
for everybody. But it's only because like I don't want
to really be knowing how to like be shipping, like
do what out the court.
Speaker 3 (12:18):
Like every want to be on it. So like I
really used.
Speaker 2 (12:21):
To like watch a lot of Asia Wilson and Blake
Griffin actually really.
Speaker 3 (12:27):
Yeah, because I used to really want to know how
to done.
Speaker 2 (12:29):
And then I kind of like, just you know, that's
a good person to pick if you're trying to dun.
You get older, you're just like all right, now this
goes kind of like you're like, okay, so what are
my actual strengths? Am I about to? I got here?
I was the same way. I was like, oh yeah,
I don't finn to get out there. Yeah on somebody.
And then I got to say it when I saw
a friend dunk and I said, oh so I'm not
(12:50):
like you, and that's okay. He focus on my strengths.
You know. That's fine. It's a little humbling, but it's okay.
Speaker 3 (12:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
But talking about your upbringing playing with your AAU team
tells me about your recruiting process, because you were a
very high recruit, number one four in your class, number
four overall. When did you feel like you started getting
recruited for real, Like, Okay, I'm going to go to college.
I'm gonna be a D one player.
Speaker 3 (13:15):
I was getting recruited in the seventh grade, I believe, okay, but.
Speaker 1 (13:20):
Like I really didn't like really understand what it meant.
Like it would come to me and was like you
got to offer from I think my first two offers
was from LSU and Old Miss.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (13:28):
It was like I got those in it, and I
was like like, okay, I don't know, like what you want,
Like I don't know what to say about that. And
then there just like grew and then when the letters
started coming in the midl and then I just started
getting Then I started going on official visits and stuff
because I didn't make it til the official visits because
of COVID, but unofficial visits allowing me to make the
(13:51):
right choice when it came to like coming to school.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
Yeah, my recruiting was actually fun.
Speaker 1 (13:59):
I knew I was going to be do you one
athlete after I probably say me going into high school?
Speaker 3 (14:04):
I knew that I was probably I was gonna be
for sure.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
I didn't even think about how COVID must have impacted
your recruiting experience.
Speaker 3 (14:11):
It did, but you ended up.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Making the right decision in South Carolina for you, What
do you feel like set South Carolina apart for the
rest of the schools you were looking at to end
up making the decision to be a game Cock.
Speaker 3 (14:23):
I just wanted to grow as a player.
Speaker 1 (14:25):
I mean, I knew like certain schools that I went to,
like I was probably I wouldn't say probably be the same,
but not be able to grow as much as I
grew here. So I say, like I'm to South Carolina,
you can grow as a player, I mean and as
a person outside of basketball, is like it's everything just
to be around coach Staley.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
I mean she.
Speaker 3 (14:46):
Teaches you a lot of stuff that you need to
know when you get older.
Speaker 1 (14:49):
So I'll say, like being able to grow after I
mean Aliyah Camilla. It was a lot of post players
my freshman year, but being able to wealth from all
of them is just like amazing. I mean just to
know that nobody what just to trust my process. I mean,
(15:10):
everybody process is different. So I've just been learning to
trust my process and to just learn from that way,
learn from them, learning different things as in moving my
feet better, as in when it's own blocks, when it's
time to guard, guard, guard to guard.
Speaker 3 (15:24):
So like learning those things is just like helped me
a lot.
Speaker 2 (15:28):
Yeah, I mean that led right into my next question.
I was gonna say, learning from Aliah, Victoria Cameilla, all
these big post presences when you come in as a freshman,
and so what were those first practices like having to
go against those people in the paint.
Speaker 1 (15:43):
Actually I really enjoyed it, actually because joy, like I said,
I used to play with boys, so me playing with
boys like.
Speaker 3 (15:49):
They was already stronger than me, already bigger than me.
So me coming here alia them was already stronger than me.
There was already bigger than me.
Speaker 1 (15:56):
But I took on the talent of competing with them
because my eyes, I don't think no one's better than me.
So if I have the confidence of I'm better than everybody,
then I feel like I'm better than everybody, and the
talent's one guarding them and playing against them as Sinaia Fagan.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
And I mean it just went from there.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
Yeah, I think that that's such a good mindset to have,
especially as a young player, because it's hard. The transition
from high school to college is hard, and I feel
like people don't talk about it. Even being a top
recruit out of high school. You're coming in and it's
like everybody was a top recruit. Everybody did what you did,
and so now it's figuring out how do, like you said,
be Sanai Fagan on that stage and keep everything about you,
(16:37):
but then at the same time taking bits and pieces
from players like Camilla and Aliyah and adapting those to
your own game. And so it's hard, it's humbling. I know,
I was humbled. Oh my gosh, I came in. I
remember I a guard like DJ Carrington my first day
of summer. Do you know where you're picking me up?
Full court? I'm like, girl, give me a break. I'm exhausted.
I'm seventeen, like you're twenty one. Give me a break.
Speaker 3 (17:01):
But it's very humbling.
Speaker 2 (17:03):
But I think that with the right mindset, it just
leads to more growth. But staying on your freshman year
a little bit. Winning your freshman year, I feel like
it's such an interesting thing because you're like, Okay, well
we win every year, you know what I mean? Like
it set your mindset to be like, okay, well, how
can it be anything else? And so after winning your
freshman year being the program second Natty, how did that
(17:25):
kind of shape your mindset to be like, Okay, how
do we continue this for the next four years? Like
is that now an expectation for your class to go for.
Speaker 1 (17:32):
For four Yes, it is an expectation because we want
to end off winin Natty as well, Like we don't
want to go home like sad.
Speaker 2 (17:40):
Because that's how do you not win? You just go
home off a loss?
Speaker 1 (17:44):
Right, Like the ending of my college career, like I
don't want to go home like sad. I want to
go home happy. So it's like sure, I feel like
it is an expectation. That's like we can actually.
Speaker 2 (17:53):
Reach that expectation and we okay, all right, I'm with you.
So moving into sophomore year, deep team with Aliyah Breez, listen,
you guys were definitely the team to be and losing
the eye on the final four heartbreaking and it's an
intense game, huge moment. What do you remember about that game?
Speaker 1 (18:14):
I just remember like just cheering my team one, like
knowing that it was down, knowing that like some like
felt defeated. I still sat there and tried to like
let them know that the game isn't over, Like no
matter what, the game isn't over. We have a whole
another quarter left, Like we can come back. You can
do what we have to do, Like we're built for this,
like we're here, like this is where we want to be,
(18:36):
this is where we're used to being, so push through
and like we can do this.
Speaker 3 (18:40):
Like yo, we're good, Like calm down, y'all, we're good.
We're good.
Speaker 1 (18:45):
So, I mean it still didn't go in our favorite
but yeah, I still like try to motivate the team
and just like help them understand that they're built for this.
And yeah, it's okay that sometimes you lose a game, but.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
Yeah, it's it's it's hard. And I feel like the
final four loss is so hard compared to us. I
don't know, losing in any final four is heartbreaking, especially
when you're in the semis. It's just horrible. So and
that was too, Yeah, yeah that as well. Yeah, and
so moving into your next season, I mean, you guys
(19:20):
were counted out, yes, from the jump, after losing the
senior class, the freshies, all those things, lost the final four,
losing the freshies, y'all were counted out. And so how
did the returning players with a big freshman class coming in,
but you guys with a Nattie Enderervelt final four experience,
how did you guys change that heartbreak into motivation moving
into your next season knowing you were counted out, having
(19:42):
all these obstacles against you, what was the locker room
kind of like, what were the vibes?
Speaker 3 (19:47):
Well, honestly, to begin with, we didn't really even think
that we're going.
Speaker 1 (19:51):
To be as good as we were until we went
to Paris and played against Notre Dame, and then at
the end of the game, it was like, oh yeah, y'all,
we've got to be.
Speaker 3 (20:01):
Fire. Like that's how we was looking at others like
it was just giving.
Speaker 1 (20:04):
Everybody they like their cookies or whatever, because like, oh yeah,
like it's up. And then from there we just had
the mindset of nobody could beat us. And then we
grew together as a team, like we didn't know each
other that much, but like we knew each other enough,
and then like from knowing each other that much, we
like bonded, like as an we team bonded. I swear
(20:27):
like three times a week and that's for a whole
year of a season, like three times a week bonding
with your team. You don't really hear that. Like, so
it was like us bonding the way that we did,
Like we grew so close to each other and just
like we just knew like what to expect from one
another and like how to talk to one another like
(20:47):
all of that.
Speaker 3 (20:48):
So it's just like us.
Speaker 1 (20:49):
Growing that way, just change our mindset and with mean
and one in national.
Speaker 2 (20:54):
Tables, Yeah, you went the distance. I think that's so
funny for to hear we had to on and you
guys talking about how like you didn't think that that
was going to be the journey for you guys, and
then having a game like Notre Dame because you guys
like y'all handed it to him in a very like
it was. It was a bit of a whooping for real,
Like I don't think that anybody expected you guys to
(21:17):
win in that manner, you know what I mean? And
so to hear that, you know, the summer leading up
to it, all these different things, like you guys weren't
feeling that way. It's so interesting, But I see what
you're saying about the team dynamic and team bonding three
times a week. Do you feel like that led into
why you guys were so good? Like having that off
court chemistry led into you know, there's times of people
(21:39):
bigger on the court. That's just the way it works
because of its high competitive game. But you guys being
so close those relationships that you had led into the
success that you ended up having.
Speaker 1 (21:48):
Like you were saying, like they're biggering on the court,
Like we know how to talk to each other as teammates.
So like when it came to like someone kept making
the same mistake, we would tell them like come on,
like locking, we know you better than what you're doing
right now, Like yeah, together, and we will talk to
each other the way that they will understand, but also
like pushing them to do what they need to do.
(22:08):
So I'll say it like just bickering and like just
being there for one another, like if somebody's having an
off game, like just sticking there and just like like
you're good, like we got you, Like you have.
Speaker 3 (22:21):
A bad game.
Speaker 1 (22:22):
Everybody has bad games, Like we can stick through together
as a team, like and help you get through this,
but help each other get through this as well.
Speaker 2 (22:30):
Yeah, I think those little things are what allows teams
to go the distance, cause seasons are long, things get tough,
people getting tired. But like by the time you get
to a final four to the tournament, when y'all still
like each other and are bought into one another, that's
what lets you keep going. And I think that's so
important where you see a lot of teams with all
the talent in the world, but they don't have that
connectivity that allows them to keep going and get through
(22:53):
those tough times. So I think we all definitely saw
that watching you guys play last year. How connected you were,
and like the bench, like how excited y'all were hyped
up after every bucket, after every small play.
Speaker 3 (23:06):
I think it's so genuine. I think it was kind
of genuine.
Speaker 1 (23:09):
It wasn't like fake love, like we wasn't as sure
you have the fake love, was actually genuine like yeah,
actually like was happy for one another, happy for each other.
Speaker 3 (23:16):
So like it's just like just knowing that we actually
like happy for each other is.
Speaker 2 (23:20):
Like yeah, really, yeah for sure, And that's what makes
it fun. Like when you're having fun like that, you're
gonna that's when you have those extra players of diving
on the floor of like Okay, I'm exhausted, but like
I love my teammates, so I'm gonna push through for them.
So I think that leads to so much success. And
you can tell it's genuine, and you could tell when
it's not, and that's when things go off the rails.
(23:41):
And so talking about last season, I feel like you
guys kind of had some rivalries going on the SEC.
We talked a little bit about LSU and Tennessee and
how hyped up those games were and all eyes nationwide
were on you guys during those matchups. So how would
you describe those atmospheres, but also those little rivalries that
seemed to be forming within the conference.
Speaker 1 (24:03):
I enjoy it actually, like just being around like their
fan their fan base is like I say, LSU, Like
going to LSU and being around their fan base and
knowing that like.
Speaker 3 (24:14):
It really want us to lose so bad.
Speaker 1 (24:15):
And it was just like we just pushed through as
a team and like we believed in each other and
we trusted each other just to like get through what
was going through, Like not even what was going through anything,
but like we were down like people were doing at
least like ten but like we came back and we
fought with each other as a team and we ended
up winning. And then tennessee, oh gosh, it's just always
(24:37):
hard playing there.
Speaker 3 (24:38):
I don't know why, but it's just it just is.
Speaker 1 (24:40):
I think it's because their atmosphere as well, but like
just push it through and just I mean just having
each other back as well, Like it's really challenging playing there,
but we pushed through.
Speaker 2 (24:52):
Yeah, it be the best to win at those places too,
like just to shove it to you a little bit more, Yeah,
yeah for sure. Wow, But thank y'all, y'all help us
out a little bit because honestly, like you kind of
feed off the away crowd a little bit when they're
doing when you guys are down, like when y'all were
down at half against LSU, I'm from the locker room,
Like that gets you hyped up to like go against
(25:13):
the crowd as well as the team. It's definitely a thing.
Speaker 1 (25:16):
And do you like feel like you didn't like realize
like what are you going wrong at certain situations like
going to work and like what you can be better
at doing with each other. So it's just like just
knowing that is really good.
Speaker 2 (25:28):
Yeah, And I feel like we talked about the connectivity
of you guys, but I think also how deep you
guys are as a team your in and year out
is actually insane because you guys can create so many
starting lineups, whether it be just like five people from
the bench and are mixing with the starters or just
y'all five five, whatever it may be. And the bench
production that you guys have isn't like a lot of
(25:50):
other programs and what they're able to do you usually
see a dip. And so how much pride does the
team take in being so deep every year and players
being in different roles and understanding to be ready when
their name is called, like you talked about in your
freshman and sophomore seasons.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
I think that's what, like it really gets everybody just
to know that as a player, I mean, you're never
you're not going to end your head like oh, I
have to sit on the bitch first, Like oh, like
this is saying but as in us, like as in
bench players and bitch bitch production goes along, it's like
we're like, oh, we could be that spark off the bench,
(26:26):
like we can boost the score up a little bit
more like yeah, they're doing good, we can also like
we can do good too, like boo, just be.
Speaker 2 (26:33):
Ready no matter what.
Speaker 1 (26:33):
Just stay ready like number called, just go you ready,
you're ready, Like we'll sit at the table, be like
you ready, We're ready.
Speaker 3 (26:41):
Ready, let's go, let's.
Speaker 1 (26:42):
Do this and we'll just go out and we do
so just be like you be able to like but
enjoy it, but not enjoy but enjoy it, like yeah,
coming off of being a spark or coming off and
I having no type of like sad vibes to being
the bench player, like being coming off the bench, Like
that's what made it so excitement just like being ready,
like not just one person, but everybody on the beach
(27:04):
is ready.
Speaker 2 (27:05):
Yeah, that's that's scary. It's scary for sure.
Speaker 3 (27:09):
That everybody no way, So it was like this is
really good.
Speaker 2 (27:14):
Yeah. I think it really just speaks to the culture
of what you guys have created there because a lot
of people you can take it and be like, oh,
I'm coming off the bench whatever. But like if you
change your mindset to embrace that role of being the
spark and continuing the juice that's going and let's say
the starters aren't doing hot and y'all come in, you're like,
all right, this is our time. We got to get
busy right now. It changes the whole momentum of the
(27:36):
game and the way that you guys are able to
impact it. Talking about the NCAA tournament run you guys
had last year, y'all were on a mission. Losing the
potal four such a different type of fire under the
team to come out and win it the next year.
And I believe the Sweet sixteen game Indiana was a
little close. Do you feel like that was maybe like
(27:57):
a pivotal moment for you guys to be like, Okay,
like we still got to show up. Even though we're
doing all the things we are having this main season,
we still got to lock in for every matchup.
Speaker 3 (28:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (28:07):
Well, I don't know if you guys notice, but like
we started like winning so much, and then like we
started taking our foot off the gas and we might
see like we had to talk about it like within
each other, like not with the coaches or anything, but
like within each other, like letting each other know, like
we cannot.
Speaker 3 (28:23):
Do this no more. Like the Tennessee game was enough stress,
so wet ourselves through. No more stress when it comes
to like being where we want to be at.
Speaker 1 (28:31):
So it's just like just talk to each other, let
each other know that we can't take no games easy.
Like everybody wanted to be in this in this position.
Everybody wants to be a national championship. So everybody's going
to play like they want to be a national champion.
And it's just like just push through. Like Sweet sixteen,
they came back, Indiana came back at the end, scared
(28:52):
us a little bit, but we pushed through, like just
pushed through as a team, like y'all we're good, Like
just keep keep your foot on the gas.
Speaker 3 (28:58):
Just keep your foot no gas, and we just kept
saying that, like.
Speaker 2 (29:01):
Keep us good. I mean, y'all close off Indiana, be
the good organ State team. Y'all gave NC State some
of the business in that final four and then heading
into the championship game, everybody want to see. Everybody want
to see that head matchup with Iowa. How were you
guys able to like block out the noise but also
embrace the moment at the same time and find that
(29:22):
right balance to be able to rise the occasion for
a national championship game.
Speaker 1 (29:26):
Well, honestly, we just like we sat there and we
told each other like the people that have been in
position before, like we've been here before, Like we know
what to expect, Like this is going to be a
good game, but don't even think of it as like
they think of it as in this this is what
we told each other for real, like this is your
last game, like put it, put everything on the line,
like real, that's gay, Like give it your all, like
(29:47):
we have nothing else to like nothing else to do
after this, Like this is your last game, Like give
it your all. And that's basically we told each other
and the beginning of the game a little first couple
of minutes. I mean, stuff happens, you.
Speaker 2 (29:59):
Know, Yeah, you gotta settle in. It's fine.
Speaker 1 (30:01):
We look back, we shook back, and we just finished
off the way that we need to finish off.
Speaker 3 (30:07):
And I mean it's how it went.
Speaker 2 (30:10):
Yeah, and it ended how I was supposed to happen
and how I was supposed to And I think it's
like when you talk like you do have to settle
in a little bit, because like you're so hyped up
for the moment and you're like, okay, like we still
got to get back to playing our game, like you
talk about actually like hi, yeah, just going crazy. It
was crazy. What was it like for you and you
(30:33):
guys as a team to get to see Ravens specifically
have those moments of having that shake back for her
own individual performance, locking up defensively, running the team, doing
all the things. How excited were you guys see her
really own that moment.
Speaker 3 (30:48):
Well, we'd be seeing Raven practice like be that Raven.
Speaker 1 (30:52):
So it's like we knew in her heart like she
felt like she felt like she was so ready for
the game, Like yeah, we can see it on her
and like shoot around and practice and stuff. So it
was just like knowing that she was ready, like we
got to be here with her, Like we can just
allow her to be ready, and we're not ready with her,
So like her being ready is like boosted us being ready,
(31:13):
like us staying ready because we know how bad she
wanted it, but we wanted as bad as well. So
it's like just pushing with her. Her being like the
spark of her like changing the game around, just like
letting us know.
Speaker 3 (31:25):
That y'all we hear her.
Speaker 2 (31:27):
Like yeah, So like her being that spark like really
like helped us be that spark as well. Yeah. And
then did you feel a difference between winning the Natty
your freshman year compared to winning it your junior year?
Like was there just a different vibe for you, maybe
feeling more involved in the win or like you being
a leader this time? What's the difference? How hype were
(31:49):
you after winning that last year?
Speaker 3 (31:50):
Last year?
Speaker 1 (31:51):
I was real hype because, like you said, just being involved,
Like my freshman year, I was involved, but I wasn't
involved as I was my junior And just to know
that I helped my team get to where we are,
like I helped us win the national championship, it felt
really great. Because that was a part of it, like
I helped like make this happen. So I guess it
(32:12):
felt so much better, like not so much better, but
it felt it was so much more exciting because it's
like why I actually helped like get us here, I
have actually helped like help us win.
Speaker 3 (32:23):
Ye, yeah, like exciting.
Speaker 2 (32:25):
It's it's a different feeling, like both are natties, but
it's like okay, like I did that, I was, I
got you. It's a little bit different, which is so cool.
Moving into our next segment here, these next two questions
are sponsored by our lovely sponsor. So far so NIL
has changed the game forever. So we need to get
serious about our money. What's the biggest piece of financial
(32:46):
advice you've gotten through the NIL process?
Speaker 1 (32:50):
To you it wisely, I mean, just to like be
responsible with your money because it's at the end of
the day, you have goals like outside of just like
what's here, realistic things, and you don't want to be
getting money from nio deals and then like spending on
materialistic things like yeah, it's okay to spend it ale
matullist things, but like at the end of the day,
(33:12):
like when your career is over, you want to be
able to build on like your in I like, build
from your n IO deal.
Speaker 3 (33:19):
So as in like getting your house or.
Speaker 1 (33:23):
Getting cars, not getting cars, but getting a car that
you're able to You get what I'm saying.
Speaker 2 (33:29):
Yeah, yeah, think long term of course, like everything else
like no, yes, but being financially responsible and like like
if you need to.
Speaker 1 (33:38):
Take care of your family, take care of your family
like stuff like that. So I say, like just being
sparked with your money decisions and just like I mean,
protecting yourself honestly, Yeah, you know.
Speaker 2 (33:49):
That's that's good advice. Thinking long term beyond basketball all
the things I'm with you, I'm with you, okay, and
thinking long term and with all those things like a house,
cars are big investments. So what are some things outside
of basketball that you're passionate about or interested in that
you may want to invest in one day?
Speaker 1 (34:09):
Honestly, my goal after like I get done playing basketball,
I want to own my own daycare. How I way, Yeah,
investing in like a building, like probably building my own
building like for my daycare.
Speaker 3 (34:22):
Yeah, so yeah, that's probably what my biggest investment would be.
Speaker 2 (34:25):
Have you always wanted to do that? That's amazing honestly know.
At first, I want to be a ven area Okay,
never realized how much school I had to do.
Speaker 3 (34:34):
And then so you're like a maybe not. And then
like I've.
Speaker 1 (34:39):
Always like enjoyed being around kids and like just loving
going to children. So it was just like knowing so
much stuff going on with the daycare situations, how people
don't really trust their children going to daycare. I want
to be the person to be able to give them
my trust as in making the daycare and like, yeah,
you know, for who I am, I feel like you'll
go really far.
Speaker 2 (35:00):
Yeah that's amazing. Oh my gosh. Well when I have
kids and you have your daycare, maybe I'll send them
your way, all right, okay for sure? And then also
think about NIL, how have you been able to balance
your NIL obligations with basketball but also school on top
of all those things.
Speaker 3 (35:17):
Well, I say, first, I am a student athlete.
Speaker 1 (35:20):
I mean, and IO did come afterwards, So handle my
responsibilities first. And then like I go through like the
NIO stuff, but I will say I handle my responsibilities before.
Speaker 3 (35:31):
I do in IO. Yeah, for sure, I do my
work throughout the week.
Speaker 1 (35:35):
Well, And like coach doesn't play about like us having
like practice or nothing, like we have practice, don't do
no nio, Like, yeah, you have some times when you
can't do nio like didn't do it. But as agents
and stuff, I feel like they understay will understand that.
Speaker 2 (35:50):
So yeah, for sure, it's like you're not gonna have
nil without having your school and basketball set first, Like
those deals are gonna come when you have your grades
right so you can play and then you before me
on the court. So it's definitely there's definitely like tears
to it in the way that these things are most
important to you.
Speaker 3 (36:05):
The way you can't get in if you're not really
doing good.
Speaker 2 (36:09):
If you're not if you're not hooping like that.
Speaker 3 (36:11):
But you can't get on the court if you're doing
good in the classroom.
Speaker 2 (36:13):
So exactly, school and yeahballah, I am exactly. Yeah, I'm
with you. Well, moving into your senior season, in terms
of preparation, what you want to accomplish for yourself personally,
what things did you work on the off season that
you want to see shine through as you step into
this big year.
Speaker 1 (36:33):
Honestly, I can't say this summer I work doing like
really getting in like the best shape that I could
losing a little weight. I feel like I was overweighted
to my point of movement, and like training my mental
because basketball is like a mental sport, So I say,
over the summer, like getting in the best shape and
(36:54):
training my mental be to.
Speaker 3 (36:55):
Be like the best it could be. So that's really
what I focused on the most.
Speaker 2 (36:59):
Is Okay, Well, I'm excited to see that come through.
And also just talking about your game has evolved refreshment
to junior and now into your senior year which we're
about to see. But also we've talked about you having
different roles on the team. You're on this team is
gonna be probably the biggest role that you've had so
far during your South Carolina career, not only as like
being a score being rebounder, being impact player, but you're
(37:22):
a leader this season. Like I'm sure everybody's looking up
to you. You're the old head on the team nowadays.
What is that like for you to transition your mental
to now, you know, not being like you want the
moms on the team, low key taking care of the youngins,
making sure they're straight, influencing showing them how the culture
is supposed to be at South Carolina.
Speaker 1 (37:40):
Basically like last year, I was getting more into like
being open and being talkative like to my teammates. When
it came to being on the court and off the court,
I feel like it really didn't changed that much because
like I learned it last year. But just also just
to be there, like to be the person that my
teammates come to to talk about about like things want
(38:01):
and off the court is a great feeling for myself
because it just lets me know that like then I'm there,
like they trust me to talk, they trust me to
just sit there and be an open ear to them.
I mean, to give them the advice that they need.
So it feels great to just be that person for
them and to know that they trust me with anything
they say.
Speaker 2 (38:21):
So yeah, now that's special. It's also weird being the
older person because you don't feel that old, right and
then you're like, Okay, why are you looking up to me.
I'm figuring it out myself.
Speaker 3 (38:29):
It's your place to be in.
Speaker 2 (38:32):
But this year, within the college landscape, there's so much
talent not only from seniors super seniors, but the incoming
freshmen as well. And so what about this South Carolina
team this year? We've heard Don's daycare last year, all
the different vibes of the team heading into this season,
what do you feel like makes you guys special and
what's going to be the thing that you write on
(38:54):
to take you to another natty.
Speaker 3 (38:55):
I'd probably say our love again.
Speaker 1 (38:57):
I mean, like we got a couple freshmen that this year,
and the way that they connected with us and they
clicked with us, it just made it seem like it's
the same team as last year, like the way that
we love each other, the way that we're like playing
off of each other.
Speaker 3 (39:11):
But I can't say now.
Speaker 1 (39:12):
And this year, but like we're actually showing it in
the summer, Like last summer really wasn't like.
Speaker 3 (39:18):
We're like, oh no, but this summer actually like.
Speaker 1 (39:21):
Showing in like actually like showing the way that we
got each other's back, like no matter what, like when
one it's down, we pick them up.
Speaker 3 (39:28):
We had others back through any and everything.
Speaker 1 (39:30):
So I guess like just showing it earlier this season,
like you're in practice and stuff is just like a
good start to know that how our senior year will
be going.
Speaker 2 (39:40):
That's good Compared to last year, y'all were like do
y'all could be a little shaky? We already of the confidence.
So that's scary for other teams. Then I like it. Okay,
So headed into our last section. This is gonna be
rapid fire answers. This is our vibe check. Do your best,
rapid fire. We've had some guests be really good and
some guests, no, not the best. So I believe in you.
(40:03):
What is the drill you never want to see on
the practice plan? Husky husky? But I was gonna say
every other South Carolina player Aliyah Tahina have all said
the wing the wing. You have a different one.
Speaker 3 (40:13):
Yes, I say husky. I actually enjoy wing the wing.
Speaker 2 (40:15):
Okay, so what's what's husky? What's so good about husky?
Speaker 3 (40:18):
Husky is like it's a past, past past, and then
like you're.
Speaker 1 (40:23):
Planning to get the highlighters, but it's like it's just
so quick, like everything is just so quick, and it
just be like it's so tiring, Like right when you
get off the court, you got to get right back
going there because the other group is going.
Speaker 3 (40:35):
Right when you go off.
Speaker 1 (40:35):
Then once say no time for rest, you ain't got
no time for rest. So it's like that's probably I'll probably.
Speaker 2 (40:42):
Say that's the worst one. Okay, game winning shot or
game winning block, game winning block and one or three
pointer and one off the court goes to sneaker. Uh
uh asis, Okay, do with TikTok with don On or
do a TikTok with Aliyah?
Speaker 3 (41:03):
Oh my gosh, yeah, I can't say both.
Speaker 2 (41:06):
You know, we need to put you in the hot
seat here. You gotta uh, I'm a text right after
and let let one of them know dance. That's not fair. Well,
don't you go to my girl Alah. She's gotten better
her and Donnie.
Speaker 1 (41:26):
They've gotten better with me though, and Aliah dances with me.
Every TikTok Aliah ever danced with he did the dance right.
So wherever hear these dances need to lock in because
come on doing whatever?
Speaker 3 (41:39):
She is like you TikTok?
Speaker 2 (41:43):
Like, first of all, we lost the beat and the dance,
so like, what are you doing? Yeah? I think the
same thing. Okay. Where is the toughest place to play
on the road, Tennessee? Okay, biggest trash talker on our team?
It could be on your team or anybody you've played
against in college.
Speaker 3 (42:01):
Alight, on our team.
Speaker 1 (42:03):
I feel like everybody talked junk like that's just how
we just talked to everybody.
Speaker 3 (42:08):
Bring, I would say last year will probably be.
Speaker 2 (42:11):
An Angel Okay, yeah, I got you. That's that's a
good pick. Who's been the hardest player you've had? The
guard Alyssa Peeley. Oh, very good choice. She is so good.
Oh my god. Okay, I guess flopper.
Speaker 1 (42:27):
Flopper flopper flopper, who'll be flopping all the time? Like,
uh yeah, like I don't like flopping. I can say
Anissa tomorrow.
Speaker 2 (42:40):
Okay, Okay, that's a do. I haven't heard that one yet.
All right, what's your biggest basketball ack?
Speaker 1 (42:46):
Like when you know you like they traveled or did
something wrong but the rough didn't call it, and then
then they talked dunk afterwards, Like you just talked dunk
after you know, you just sat here.
Speaker 3 (42:57):
And traveled around the world. Yeah, I try to talk
talk to me like, no, I agree, like, oh.
Speaker 2 (43:03):
You just really just did Like yeah, that's gross. I
feel like one for me kind of similar to that
is like would someone be yelling at one after they
didn't even get fouled. I'm like, you didn't even do nothing,
like yeah with me, I feel like a lot of
others like that. Okay, who's your basketball goat as wissen. Okay, good,
pick someone to play two on two with, But you
(43:25):
can't pick a teammate.
Speaker 3 (43:28):
Someone who play two on two with. But I can't
pick a.
Speaker 2 (43:30):
Teammate as in right now, right yeah, Don Staley. Of
course that's not a teammate, that's a coach.
Speaker 3 (43:36):
You didn't say it.
Speaker 2 (43:37):
That's a good pick, way, but a good pick.
Speaker 3 (43:40):
All right.
Speaker 2 (43:41):
What's your favorite pregame hype song.
Speaker 3 (43:44):
I actually don't really listen to hype music before the game.
I listened to gospel music.
Speaker 2 (43:48):
Oh god, it's been intentional okay by Harvis Green. Oh
that's good. That's good, Okay. I like that. I'm more
of an R and B girl before games. Not really
super like me. Mellow, very calm, calm, nerves. Yeah, okay.
Last question for you is what's your best impersonation of
coach Daily?
Speaker 3 (44:09):
Uh? Honestly, she loves saying my name, so it's really
like she just be yelling.
Speaker 2 (44:17):
Your name all the time.
Speaker 3 (44:19):
Loves my name. I swear again, like what is this
like Fagan and I'd be like, oh my gosh.
Speaker 1 (44:25):
Then actually, recently we're doing husky drill and Joyce had
passed me the ball, but it was a bounce past
and I literally literally I missed my whole hand, Like huh, I.
Speaker 3 (44:35):
Didn't know how I didn't catch it.
Speaker 2 (44:37):
She's like, Fagan, who you missed the whole Honestly, I
don't even know what. Sometimes you just gotta eat those ones.
You're just like, you know, my bad yep, Fagan, this
would have been so wonderful having you on. Thank you
so much for joining the pot, thank you so much
(44:57):
for having me of course, and the thank you everybody
for listening. Stay tuned for more episodes of Sometimes I
Hope the Players Tribute dot Com
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