The South Carolina Gamecocks begin their Repeat Tour on Monday in Las Vegas against the Michigan Wolverines

South Carolina will use the same starting five that they used in both exhibition games. Dawn Staley seems happy with that group, made up of Raven Johnson, Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, Chloe Kitts, and Sania Feagin. Most of the players on the unit were regular starters last season, except Feagin. It’s nice to have an experienced starting lineup.

Sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley and freshman Joyce Edwards will lead the unit off the bench. Fulwiley scored 24 against Clayton State and 10 against Memphis and looks to make a big impact again this season. Fulwiley is not shying away from competition and never has. I am looking forward to seeing how Edwards does in her debut and let me just say she was nothing short of amazing in the two exhibition games and so far she looks like she could be one of the best players on a team full of future WNBA draft picks.

Michigan has a solid basketball team and should be a solid opening test for the Gamecocks to open the season.  Using their experienced starters and dynamic bench players, the Gamecocks should come out strong. With Fulwiley and Edwards bringing energy and skill off the bench, South Carolina has a good chance of outplaying Michigan. Fans await a competitive game. However, South Carolina’s depth and talent might just give them the edge they need to start their season with a win.

Catch the game on TNT at 7:30 EST, Monday, November 4.