South Carolina has suspended sophomore guard Maddy McDaniel, the program announced Tuesday before the Gamecocks’ game against Clemson. Head coach Dawn Staley did not provide further details on why she was suspended, but hinted she could miss more than one game.
After McDaniel missed Tuesday’s 65-37 win over the in-state rivals, Staley was asked if she might be back for the game against the USC Trojans on Saturday. Staley responded, “I doubt it,” but said they are dealing with this situation day by day.
“It’s his fault,” Staley said. “It’s on her. We’ll evaluate her every day.”
As a freshman, McDaniel played in 30 games averaging 3.1 points in 11 minutes. The sophomore has only played in one game this season, which was South Carolina’s 94-54 win over Grand Canyon in its season opener. She had three points and two assists in eight minutes coming off the bench before leaving the court in the third quarter with a leg injury.
McDaniel appeared to be preparing to return soon, as even though she had a brace on her right knee, she warmed up before the game against Bowling Green on November 7.
The Gamecocks are already somewhat shorthanded as they are missing forward Chloe Kitts due to a torn ACL and forward Ashlynn Watkins, who is taking a year off for personal reasons.
No. 2 South Carolina, last season’s NCAA Tournament runner-up, started the 2025-26 campaign with a 3-0 record but will face its top-ranked opponent this weekend. Although No. 9 USC is in rebuilding mode and without star JuJu Watkins, the Trojans have already proven they can be dangerous with a courageous victory against No. 10 NC State. Saturday’s game won’t take place at the Galen Center, but it will still feel like a home-court advantage as they will play in Los Angeles at the iconic Crypto.com Arena. The game is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on Fox Sports.
