Dawn Staley is locked in a recruiting war, and Kim Mulkey stands as her biggest threat. While Staley built South Carolina into a dynasty, her focus on book tours and analyst commitments for the upcoming season has created openings for competitors. The Gamecocks are now working overtime to keep 2026 No. 4 prospect Oliviyah Edwards from becoming another Mulkey victory.
Meanwhile, LSU is bringing on Gary Redus to strengthen its recruiting message. While LSU puts forth an all-business, all-basketball approach, the Gamecocks take a more relaxed stance. As the 2026 recruiting battles heat up, the 2027 recruitment game is already underway, and Staley isn’t planning to take the same relaxed approach.
Why Did Dawn Staley Make Her Move for Sydney Savoury?
Sydney Savoury is a 5’11” phenom from Belleville, Michigan. She earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors in Michigan and plays like a sniper with a smooth jumper and the stats to back it up. Savoury averaged 27.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and shot 60.4% from the field. Plus, she has two more years of high school basketball left.
Colleges took notice when Savoury visited Kentucky right before Nike EYBL Session 3. The Wildcats went all in for Savoury, with Kenny Brooks leading the charge. Kentucky’s new facilities and family-first energy left a strong impression on the recruit.
With programs like Michigan, Louisville, LSU, Ole Miss, UCLA, and Notre Dame already in the mix, Savoury was already on the radar of major programs. But just when Kentucky seemed to gain momentum, Staley picked up her phone.
After a great conversation with @dawnstaley I am blessed to receive an offer to the University of South Carolina! pic.twitter.com/1JXxcIS27N
— Sydney Savoury (@SavourySavoury2) July 15, 2025
Recently, Savoury took to X and wrote, “After a great conversation with @dawnstaley, I am blessed to receive an offer to the University of South Carolina!” The Gamecocks are officially in the race, and it’s easy to see why Staley wants her.
What Makes This Another Staley vs. Mulkey Battle?
Savoury was named Offensive MVP during Nike’s EYBL Spring circuit. She averaged 25.6 points per game and pulled down over six boards. Her combination of outside shooting and on-ball aggression makes her a threat from day one. However, Staley now faces another showdown with Mulkey.
Mulkey’s crew recently flew out to watch Savoury dominate during travel ball, and they wasted no time extending an offer. When LSU and South Carolina both throw their hats in the ring, it becomes a recruitment showdown.
Nike Girls EYBL: 17U Spring All-Circuit Awards, pres. by @athleteaiapp 🏆
Offensive MVP 💰
Sydney Savoury | Michigan Crossover | 2027
25.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.4 SPG, 1.4 APG, 1.1 BPG@SavourySavoury2 @MICROSSOVER @NikeGirlsEYBL 🎥 @theballdawgs pic.twitter.com/d5jcYYyA5a
— The Girls Circuit 🏀 (@TheGirlsCircuit) July 9, 2025
Beyond the LSU and South Carolina competition, Savoury has offers from the USC Trojans, Arizona Wildcats, Syracuse Orange, and Baylor Bears. The ball is now in her court, but she has plenty of time to make her decision. Wherever Savoury ends up, she’s bound to be a major asset to that program.
