Dawn Staley picked one of her former players at South Carolina as the favorite to win the 2025 WNBA MVP award. Staley has been one of the biggest supporters of women’s basketball, but she goes an extra mile when it comes to her current and former players.&nbsp;



A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston, under different circumstances, are putting up solid performances with the Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Pacers, respectively. They have elevated their game once again, and their former coach has taken notice.&nbsp;



Staley praised Boston and Bree Hall over the weekend, highlighting their performance for the Fever amid Caitlin Clark’s absence. Wilson, on the other hand, was dubbed the best player in the league by Staley, who didn’t hesitate and told fans she wasn’t interested in their arguments.&nbsp;



<h2>Dawn Staley makes her pick for WNBA MVP clear&nbsp;</h2>



On Monday, the three-time national champion sent a message on X to endorse her favorite to win the MVP award. While she admitted she was biased, Staley didn’t hesitate to back Wilson for the coveted prize.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250911_BUS_490274_Aja-Wilson-1-1024x576_9bb6cef1.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="A&apos;ja Wilson in 2025" class="wp-image-442157" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces </figcaption></figure>



“As we wind down the @WNBA season, just would like to thank all the talented women who gave us a season of all seasons,” the <a href="http://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> legend wrote. “If there’s truly no funny stuff in the air @ajawilson22 really is the MVP. I’m biased, but the historical numbers and run they’re on aren’t.”



Wilson leads the league in points (23.4) and blocks (2.3), while ranking second in rebounds (9.9) and third in double-doubles (20).&nbsp; The Aces tied the third-longest winning streak in WNBA history with 15 consecutive wins after they beat the Chicago Sky on Tuesday.&nbsp;Napheesa Collier is also having a remarkable season, but Wilson is having the best run at the moment.&nbsp;

Dawn Staley reveals her pick for WNBA MVP

Dawn Staley reveals her pick for WNBA MVP - Bolavip US

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Besides all the passion she shows on the court, Dawn Staley doesn’t hesitate to do the same on social media. The South Carolina Gamecocks coach has mentored multiple WNBA stars during her 25-year career coaching in women’s <a href="http://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>.&nbsp;



What makes her relationship with her former players more special, however, is that Staley never stops showing love to them, even after they become professionals. Over the years, she has developed major stars such as A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and Tiffany Mitchell, to name a few.&nbsp;



While she keeps developing the next generation of stars, Staley pays close attention to what her former players are doing.&nbsp;Amid an entertaining 2025 WNBA season, the three-time college basketball champion has praised her old players whenever she’s had the chance.&nbsp;



<h2>Dawn Staley names best player in the WNBA</h2>



Staley has sent multiple messages on her X account. Last week, she made her pick for the best WNBA player clear, going with the defending MVP, A’ja Wilson. She wrote a short but strong message, while adding that she wasn’t interested in different opinions.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250908_BUS_488088_Aja-Wilson-1-1024x576_91fb06be.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="A&apos;ja Wilson in 2025" class="wp-image-442157" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces </figcaption></figure>



“The MF best in the world @_ajawilson22. Argue with…….a wall!!!” she said.



Staley also praised other former players, Boston and Bree Hall, on Sunday, praising their performance during the Indiana Fever’s 94-65 win over the Washington Mystics.&nbsp;



“I see you @breezyhalll!!&nbsp; I see you @aa_boston will the near triple double!!!&nbsp; On 3…..you say GAME I say COCK! @GamecockWBB“ she wrote.



Staley revealed last season that she would have liked to see her players receive the same attention Caitlin Clark or Paige Bueckers had during their collegiate careers, and it seems as though she’s making sure she celebrates them in a proper way.&nbsp;

Dawn Staley reveals the best player in the WNBA without hesitation

Dawn Staley reveals the best player in the WNBA without hesitation - Bolavip US

Legendary <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>coach Dawn Staley had high praise for Aliyah Boston, one of her former players on the South Carolina Gamecocks. Staley has had the chance to coach multiple future stars, including A’ja Wilson, Kamilla Cardoso, and Tiffany Mitchell, to name a few.&nbsp;



Boston, who led the Gamecocks to the national championship in the 2021-22 NCAA season, left a huge mark on her college coach from the beginning of their relationship.&nbsp;



The 6-foot-five forward joined the Gamecocks from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, ahead of the 2019-20 season. Boston made an instant impact on her squad, averaging 12.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 2.6 blocks per game during her freshman year.



While she was putting up solid performances on the court, Boston wasn’t the most vocal person on the roster, which prevented Staley from knowing how intelligent the future No. 1 overall pick was.&nbsp;



<h2>Dawn Staley praises Aliyah Boston’s intelligence&nbsp;</h2>



During a conversation with Boston and WNBA legend Candace Parker, Staley opened up about the forward’s freshman season in college. Staley recalled that Boston didn’t talk much since she was respectful of the senior players and only spoke to her when they talked in private. Those conversations helped Boston get better on the court.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250902_BUS_483945_Aliyah-Boston-2-1024x576_0b9b63a3.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Aliyah Boston in 2025" class="wp-image-455265" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Aliyah Boston #7 of the Indiana Fever looks on against the Chicago Sky during the second half at the United Center on July 27, 2025.</figcaption></figure>



“I think once we started having those conversations, she started just blossoming, like I mean, she is super smart,” Staley said. “Like she probably came in as the smartest player like ever in the history of our program.”



Boston left college in 2023, and she’s now blossoming into one of the best players in her position in the WNBA.&nbsp;While most people talk about Caitlin Clark, she’s also a pivotal part of the Indiana Fever’s future.

Dawn Staley reveals what made Aliyah Boston so special

Dawn Staley reveals what made Aliyah Boston so special - Bolavip US

South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team’s coach Dawn Staley raved about a former player’s performances in the 2025 WNBA season. Staley has had the chance to develop some of the biggest stars of the league, including reigning MVP A’Ja Wilson.&nbsp;



One of her most recent stars was Aliyah Boston, who won the national championship in the 2021-22 season, a year before she became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft.



With Caitlin Clark limited to only 13 of the 38 games the Indiana Fever have played this season, Boston has stepped up to help the team remain afloat and with chances to make it to the playoffs.&nbsp;



Boston averages 15.5 points (1.5 more than last season), 8.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game in 38 outings this campaign. She has helped Stephanie White’s squad keep their postseason hopes alive, alongside Kelsey Mitchell, while Clark recovers from a hamstring issue.&nbsp;



<h2>Dawn Staley showers Aliyah Boston with praise amid notable WNBA season</h2>



Staley is happy about her former player’s current situation, noting that she’s added more weapons to her arsenal.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250830_BUS_481973_aliyah-boston-1-1024x576_5f0f0760.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="aliyah boston" class="wp-image-340427" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Forward Aliyah Boston is a key piece for the Indiana Fever </figcaption></figure>



“She’s (Boston) there, like, she’s in her third season. I mean, she’s a rebounder, she’s a scorer, when she gets the ball. But now she’s added an element of passing, like, it’s like she gets better every single year. And I really don’t think she gets credit for her growth. Now I would say that people are given the most improved… I can understand that. But Aliyah gotta be in the conversation, right? Got to be in the conversation. Aliyah got to be in the conversation, you know, as MVP. But the losing is the problem. Ya’ll losing too many games,” Staley said in a clip shared on X (formerly Twitter) Wednesday.



The Fever are one of eight teams fighting for six playoff spots. They have six more games to play before the end of the regular season to define their final position and opponent in the playoffs.

Dawn Staley gushes about Aliyah Boston’s surge with Caitlin Clark’s injury

Dawn Staley gushes about Aliyah Boston's surge with Caitlin Clark's injury - Bolavip US

South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team’s head coach Dawn Staley sent a clear message to Caitlin Clark’s fans. The Iowa Hawkeyes legend left a huge mark in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball,</a> becoming the all-time scoring leader in Division I basketball, among other things.&nbsp;



Staley witnessed Clark’s evolution closely, and she was in the guard’s final college game ever, when she lost to her Gamecocks in the 2024 national championship game. Clark remains a hot topic around the basketball world now that she’s in the WNBA.&nbsp;



Her fans have become a polarizing topic for many, given how passionate they are about the 2024 No. 1 overall pick. Staley has paid attention to their behavior and sent a message to these fans who don’t want to hear anything remotely negative about CC.&nbsp;



<h2>Dawn Staley keeps Caitlin Clark’s fans in check</h2>



During a Thursday, June 19, appearance on Kylie Kelce’s “Not Gonna Lie” podcast, Staley pointed out that Clark’s fans are often unwilling to hear anything that doesn’t sound like praise about their player, clarifying that not everything Clark does on the court is positive.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250828_BUS_481143_Dawn-Staley-1-1024x576_01ba328a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Dawn Staley in 2024" class="wp-image-385319" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina </figcaption></figure>



“I think she’s quite an anomaly when it comes to how many eyeballs she’s bringing on the game — and new eyeballs,” Staley said. “The newness of those eyeballs only want her to do well. Only want you to speak very highly of her, only want you to agree with what they agree with. And that’s kind of hard when we are critics to everyone who plays the game. It’s a part of the fabric of sports. That’s what we do.”



This has become a big issue since the guard entered the league. While she’s great, Clark is still young and has a lot of room to improve her game.&nbsp;

Dawn Staley makes a strong plea to Caitlin Clark’s fans

Dawn Staley makes a strong plea to Caitlin Clark's fans - Bolavip US

While she prepares for the 2025-26 NCAA season, where the South Carolina Gamecocks will try to get revenge on Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies, Dawn Staley is looking beyond this season and setting the stage for new prospects to join one of the best programs in women’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>in recent years.&nbsp;



The veteran coach, who interviewed for the New York Knicks head-coaching role after Tom Thibodeau was fired, is set to lead another group of talented players to the national championship.&nbsp;



Staley and Co. won the 2024 NCAA tournament against the Caitlin Clark-led Iowa Hawkeyes. They couldn’t repeat last season, as Paige Bueckers and Co. took them down in the championship game.&nbsp;While the season approaches, Staley received a notable visit that left her speechless with a nice and unexpected gesture.&nbsp;



<h2>Dawn Staley raves about unknown prospect’s grateful gesture after South Carolina visit&nbsp;</h2>



The 25-year coach took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise an undisclosed prospect who handed her a handwritten thank-you note after her visit to the campus.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250828_BUS_481116_Head-coach-Dawn-Staley-of-the-South-Carolina-Gamecocks-looks-on-during-an-open-practice-ahead-of-the-1024x576_154f7783.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks on during an open practice ahead of the 2025 NCAA Women&apos;s Basketball Tournament Final Four at Amalie Arena on April 03, 2025 in Tampa, Florida." class="wp-image-372850" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks </figcaption></figure>



“Good am!” Staley wrote. “In my 25 years of coaching, this is a first. I just received a handwritten thank you note from a top prospect…thanking us for her visit and recruitment over the years and good luck on our season. Extraordinary human being!”



She added another post praying that this prospect ends up joining her squad next season. While she didn’t reveal the name of the player, given the consequences it could carry, the post was retweeted by McKenna Woliczko, the sixth-ranked recruit in 2026, and her father.

South Carolina recruit leaves Dawn Staley speechless with an epic gesture

South Carolina recruit leaves Dawn Staley speechless with an epic gesture - Bolavip US

Dawn Staley made a big admission about the possibility of leaving the South Carolina Gamecocks to coach an NBA franchise a couple of months ago. The three-time NCAA national champion flirted with the New York Knicks job once they fired Tom Thibodeau and were denied the chance to interview several candidates who were already employed by other NBA franchises, such as Jason Kidd and Ime Udoka.&nbsp;



Staley was one of the candidates to take over from Thibodeau shortly after she lost the 2025 national championship game against Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies.&nbsp;



After a 25-year career that started in Temple in 2000, Staley has become one of the best coaches in women’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball.</a> She is committed to her program, but taking on a challenge as big as coaching an NBA team, as a woman, was enticing for the former WNBA All-Star.&nbsp;



<h2>Dawn Staley details how she inadvertently convinced Knicks not to hire her&nbsp;</h2>



During an appearance on “Post Moves,” a show with former WNBA star Candace Parker and Staley’s former player Aliyah Boston, the veteran coach admitted she interviewed for the Knicks job.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Dawn Staley speaks on coaching in the NBA, saying “if the Knicks would have offered me the job, I would have had to do it.” 👀 <a href="https://t.co/BnBGEskmNx">pic.twitter.com/BnBGEskmNx</a>— Post Moves with Candace Parker &amp; Aliyah Boston (@PostMovesShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/PostMovesShow/status/1960721801295823226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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“I interviewed for the Knicks,” Staley said in the episode published Wednesday. “… I thought I did pretty well. I was well-prepared for the interview. If the Knicks would have offered me the job, I would have had to do it. Not just for me, it’s for women, just to break open that.”



While she was very interested in the opportunity, Staley added that her questions about how a potential appointment would change the dynamics with the fans and the media. She said that the front office “changed the energy” after she asked those questions, saying she shot herself in the foot and lost what would have been a historic opportunity.&nbsp;

Dawn Staley makes major revelation about Knicks coaching job

Dawn Staley makes major revelation about Knicks coaching job - Bolavip US

You can’t talk about basketball history without mentioning Dawn Staley’s name multiple times. She’s not only a <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>legend but an institution of the game.



That’s why she was even mentioned as a potential candidate to replace Tom Thibodeau and become the New York Knicks’ head coach. That wasn’t the case, as she stayed with the South Carolina Gamecocks.



Notably, this isn’t the first time that her name has been tangled up in rumors. But despite all the speculation and the flashy lights of the pros, she’s stayed put. Now, we finally know why. 



<h2>Dawn Staley wants to be a team owner, not a coach</h2>



“Over the years, several WNBA teams have gauged my interest in coming on board. I don’t want to coach in the WNBA, never have. If I jump over, I want ownership,” she wrote in her book. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250720_BUS_443013_Dawn-Staley-1-1024x576_2a7a1e84.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Dawn Staley in 2024" class="wp-image-385319" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina </figcaption></figure>



Years ago, she was in the mix to take the reins of the Portland Trail Blazers, but she said that she “appreciated the consideration, but, in the end, it reminded me why coaching young women remains the ideal scenario for me.”



Now, it seems like her goals are pretty clear, and with the WNBA continuing its expansion in the following years, perhaps someone will get her to join an ownership group at one point.

Dawn Staley explains why she won’t leave college for the NBA or WNBA

Dawn Staley explains why she won't leave college for the NBA or WNBA - Bolavip US

Ever since she decided to give it a try at a coaching career, Dawn Staley hasn’t stopped collecting victories, awards, and championships. She’s become one of the most successful coaches in women’s basketball after 24 years and doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.&nbsp;



The three-time national champion wasn’t convinced this was her path until she was offered the chance to coach Temple, where she posted a 172-80 record before signing with the South Carolina Gamecocks in a match made in heaven.&nbsp;



On Monday, the coach shared an excerpt of her New York Times bestselling audiobook, “Uncommon Favor,” to celebrate spending another week on the best-selling list.&nbsp;



<h2>Dawn Staley says she was made for baskebtall</h2>



The audio clip explained the deep connection between Staley and basketball, as she explains how important it was not only for her as a hobby, but as a way of living.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250706_BUS_431986_Dawn-Staley-1-1024x576_01352e9a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Dawn Staley in 2024" class="wp-image-385319" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina </figcaption></figure>



“I was made for basketball,” Staley said. “I knew from the moment I was old enough to run. I can’t recall a time when I couldn’t. I never cheated on it. I never took it for granted. I didn’t care what anybody else was doing, not then, not now. When I think back on my childhood, the movie in my head is always basketball. How it drove me every day, running the court, passing, shooting, charging, blocking and jumping.”



Following a painful 82-59 loss in the 2025 national championship game against the UConn Huskies, Dawn Staley is out for revenge. She had to face a stacked team with Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Co. in the final game, standing no chances against Geno Auriemma’s team.&nbsp;



With Bueckers in the WNBA and new recruits making their way to South Carolina, Staley could be back in the big game.&nbsp;

Dawn Staley gets brutally honest on her grind to become a basketball legend

Dawn Staley gets brutally honest on her grind to become a basketball legend - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-knicks">New York Knicks</a> are interested in Dawn Staley as a potential head coach. According to a report by Jalen Martin and Knicks Fan TV, the South Carolina college basketball legend has been considered as an option by the team’s front office after the dismissal of Tom Thibodeau.



“Knicks News: According to league sources, both Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown are headed for a second round of interviews. Micah Nori is still being considered. The Knicks have also reached out to South Carolina HC Dawn Staley about the job.”



The arrival of a woman to one of the most popular teams in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> would be a historic step for basketball. However, the information should be taken with caution, as the list of candidates is extensive. Even so, Staley’s name is in the mix, and that has generated major buzz on social media.



<h2>Who is Dawn Staley?</h2>



Dawn Staley is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of basketball. Her journey began as a standout point guard at the University of Virginia, where she was a two-time National Player of the Year and led her team to three Final Fours.


 

 


She later starred for Team USA, winning three Olympic gold medals (Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004). As a professional, Staley played in the WNBA for eight seasons, earning six All-Star selections from 2001 to 2006.



Transitioning seamlessly from player to coach, Staley began her coaching career at Temple University while still active in the WNBA. She quickly made her mark, leading Temple to six NCAA Tournament appearances. However, it was at the University of South Carolina where she built a powerhouse.


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Since 2008, she has turned the Gamecocks into a national force, winning NCAA championships in 2017, 2022, and most recently in 2024 with an undefeated 38–0 season.



<h2>Who will be the next Knicks head coach?</h2>



The New York Knicks have faced multiple roadblocks in their search for a new head coach, as several NBA teams have denied them permission to interview current coaches.



The Dallas Mavericks refused to allow talks with Jason Kidd after leading the team to the 2024 NBA Finals. Similarly, the Houston Rockets blocked access to Ime Udoka, while the Minnesota Timberwolves declined the Knicks’ request to speak with Chris Finch. 


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The Atlanta Hawks also firmly denied an interview with Quin Snyder, and the Chicago Bulls did the same regarding Billy Donovan. These setbacks have forced the Knicks to explore other options, including available or former coaches.



If hired by the New York Knicks, Staley would make history as the first woman to coach an NBA team. A groundbreaking step not only for the franchise but for the league as a whole.

New York Knicks could reportedly sign Dawn Staley as head coach to replace Tom Thibodeau

NBA News: Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart finally react to Knicks firing head coach Tom Thibodeau

NBA News: Magic Johnson sends strong warning to Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns after Knicks part ways with coach Tom Thibodeau

Dawn Staley could reportedly be new Knicks head coach - Bolavip US

Knicks could reportedly sign Dawn Staley as head coach

NBA News: Knicks could reportedly sign Dawn Staley as head coach to replace Tom Thibodeau

Just a couple of years ago, the South Carolina Gamecocks were the most dominant team in all of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>, and we’re not talking just about the women’s side.



Dawn Staley’s team was riding an epic 36-0 record, and they looked poised to crush their opposition all the way to the national championship. As you know by now, that wasn’t the case.



The Gamecocks stumbled upon Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in the Final Four, and the rest is history. Now, looking back on that day, the legendary coach admits it took a big toll on her. 



<h2>Dawn Staley opens up on heartbreaking loss to Caitlin Clark, Iowa</h2>



“It didn’t hurt me enough to didn’t think there was a God, but I did question why,” Staley said in an interview. “I needed to know why. But the answer to the why happened a year later … So God left me on the ‘why’ and then followed it up … it’s an uncommon favor.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Dawn Staley says losing to Iowa in 2023 was the toughest loss of her coaching career, “almost” making her question God <a href="https://t.co/J6WQoomSRV">pic.twitter.com/J6WQoomSRV</a>— Van “Not Going Anywhere” Lathan Jr (@VanLathan) <a href="https://twitter.com/VanLathan/status/1930023041972773217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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At the end of the day, the beauty of sports lies in the fact that they often give people a shot at redemption and revenge, and Staley’s Gamecocks weren’t the exception to that rule.


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South Carolina and Iowa squared off again in the postseason, this time for all the marbles, and Staley spoiled Clark’s record-breaking season by beating her in the national championship game.

Dawn Staley admits Caitlin Clark almost made her lose her faith in God

Dawn Staley admits Caitlin Clark almost made her lose her faith in God - Bolavip US

If there’s one thing that makes Philadelphia fans different, it’s their passion. For better or worse, there’s just a unique vibe in the City of Brotherly Love when it comes to sports.



They can be absolutely ruthless when you don’t do well. But once you’ve made it there, you won’t ever have to pay for another meal, beer, and you will be a legend until the end of time.



That’s the case with legendary coach Dawn Staley and now, also with Jalen Hurts. However, there have been times when Staley has had to reach out to the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback to make sure he’s doing well.



<h2>Dawn Staley has a close relationship with Jalen Hurts</h2>



“When we lose, the city goes crazy. Like, crazy. So, sometimes I just text him, ‘Hey, don’t get too high with the highs or low with the lows.’ He doesn’t. He’s the coolest cat that I know,” Staley said on Kylie Kelce’s podcast. “But sometimes you need to hear it. You’re the only one who’s going to feel the pressure of everybody else, because other people in other positions can just kind of go under the radar. But with Jalen, we know you’ve got the potential to win Super Bowls, you really feel the pressure. So I’m just like, ‘Hang in there. It’s Philly. Ride the wave.’ And we rode the wave with him all the way to the Super Bowl.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250626_BUS_426187_jalen-hurts-1-1024x576_9ee32540.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Jalen Hurts Philadelphia Eagles" class="wp-image-399805" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17121442/jalen-hurts-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17121442/jalen-hurts-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17121442/jalen-hurts-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17121442/jalen-hurts-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17121442/jalen-hurts-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17121442/jalen-hurts-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17121442/jalen-hurts-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/05/17121442/jalen-hurts-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles</figcaption></figure>



Hurts has had to deal with some harsh criticism throughout the course of the years, but now that he’s a Super Bowl champion, there won’t be a single person in Philadelphia showing him love.


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It takes a lot to make it in such a tough city, but just like Staley said, Hurts has rarely been bothered by the criticism, and that’s also why he’s earned so much respect around the league.

Dawn Staley gets real on her bond with Jalen Hurts

Dawn Staley gets real on her bond with Jalen Hurts - Bolavip US

Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks had several encounters with Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Some were tough and ended their season, but she still holds bragging rights over them.



The Gamecocks were one of two teams that prevented Clark from winning the highly coveted national championship that would’ve cemented her as the women’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball </a>GOAT.



In a recent interview, the legendary coach talked about her strategy to beat Clark in the title game, stating that her team couldn’t allow her to turn into a playmaker. 



<h2>Dawn Staley talks guarding Caitlin Clark in the national championship game</h2>



“The most dangerous thing about Caitlin Clark is her passing ability,” Dawn Staley said on Kylie Kelce’s podcast. “Her ability to make other people better, other people’s production along with her production. That’s how you win. If you could take that away — and that was our emphasis when we won, when we beat them in the finals last year — we said, ‘Caitlin Clark’s gonna get 30.’ It is — she can’t have 12 assists.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250625_BUS_426167_Caitlin-Clark-Iowa2-1024x576_fc5c01d9.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Caitlin Clark Celebrating Iowa" class="wp-image-145998" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/28065149/Caitlin-Clark-Iowa2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/28065149/Caitlin-Clark-Iowa2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/28065149/Caitlin-Clark-Iowa2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/28065149/Caitlin-Clark-Iowa2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/28065149/Caitlin-Clark-Iowa2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes.</figcaption></figure>



The renowned coach continued by stating that Clark was elite at making everybody around her better, so, given her team’s own limitations, the best way to stop Iowa was to prevent Clark from feeding her teammates:



“Because if she’s got 12 assists, then she’s involving her teammates in a way that doesn’t quite add up. We can’t produce enough points like they can. And it’s probably easy points. They’re probably layups. Those 12 assists are probably layups. They’re not three-point shots, because we could defend that. It’s hard to defend a layup in transition when she’s picking you apart,” she continued.


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At the end of the day, there’s only so much you can do when it comes to facing a player of Clark’s caliber. You can’t stop them; you can only hope to contain them. Fortunately for her, it worked, as they held her to just five assists in the title-clinching game.

Dawn Staley reveals how her team stopped Caitlin Clark from winning a national championship

Dawn Staley reveals how her team stopped Caitlin Clark from winning a national championship - Bolavip US

South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley didn’t mince words when talking about Caitlin Clark. They clashed twice during Clark’s final two seasons with the Iowa Hawkeyes, with the guard beating South Carolina in the Final Four of the 2023 March Madness tournament and the Gamecocks taking revenge on the national championship game a year later.



Clark is now trying to lead the Indiana Fever to their second WNBA championship, while she keeps drawing positive comments, even from the people she faced and beat during her historical collegiate career.



When asked about her former rival, Staley had nothing but good things to say about the Indiana Fever star, praising her for all the attention she’s brought to the W.



<h2>Dawn Staley gushes about Caitlin Clark</h2>



“She (Clark) is quite incredible, quite an anomaly when it comes to how many eyeballs she’s bringing on the game,” Staley said during an appearance on Kylie Kelce’s podcast. “And the newness of those eyeballs — they only want her to do well. Only want you to speak very highly of her. Only, you know, want you to agree with what they agree with. And that’s kind of hard.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250624_BUS_425411_Caitlin-Clark-Iowa2-1024x576_b3cbc1ad.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Caitlin Clark Celebrating Iowa" class="wp-image-145998" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/28065149/Caitlin-Clark-Iowa2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/28065149/Caitlin-Clark-Iowa2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/28065149/Caitlin-Clark-Iowa2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/28065149/Caitlin-Clark-Iowa2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/28065149/Caitlin-Clark-Iowa2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes.</figcaption></figure>



A year after beating Caitlin Clark in the national championship game, Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks succumbed to the Paige Bueckers-led UConn Huskies, 82-59. Geno Auriemma’s squad played a terrific game to beat South Carolina for the second time in the season.


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They remain a powerhouse in college women’s basketball, but other teams, starting with the Huskies, the USC Trojans and the LSU Tigers will try to ruin their plans to return to the top of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a>.

Dawn Staley shares her honest thoughts on Caitlin Clark

Dawn Staley shares her honest thoughts on Caitlin Clark - Bolavip US

Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley have made the UConn Huskies and the South Carolina Gamecocks two powerhouses in college women’s basketball. They have created an entertaining rivalry in the last decade or so, as they’ve clashed multiple times, sometimes with a lot at stake, giving fans exciting matchups.



Their most recent meeting happened in April, when the Gamecocks suffered an 82-59 loss against UConn in the 2025 national championship game. This growing rivalry isn’t as intense as the one Auriemma had with the late Pat Summitt, but analyst Mark Zanetto compared it to one of the most exciting in tennis.



“It sucks that they don’t play in the same conference,” Zanetto said, per Sportskeeda. “It’s kind of becoming like UConn-Tennessee when I was growing up. If they don’t play each other, you’re left wondering — why not? You expect to see them in the tournament at some point, because that’s just how it goes. The other thing — I’m a tennis guy, still am. Watching the two best players in the world, (Jannik) Sinner and (Carlos) Alcaraz, face off in the French Open — that’s what these two programs are like.”



<h2>Dawn Staley makes clear statement on rivalry with Geno Auriemma, UConn</h2>



Dawn Staley discussed her rivalry with Geno Auriemma shortly after the 2025 national championship game ended. She touched on the challenges of facing a successful program as UConn, saying she doesn’t change the way she treats her opponents regardless of the result.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250623_BUS_424655_Dawn-Staley-1-1024x576_21e954c1.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Dawn Staley in 2024" class="wp-image-385319" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/25121555/Dawn-Staley-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina </figcaption></figure>



“I try to shake your hand the same way,” Staley said. “I’m going look in your eyes the same way because I know that at some point, we’re gonna win and I don’t want to I don’t want to give anybody a psychological advantage.”


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These two teams clashed twice last season and fans hope to see more of their duels for many years.

NCAAB News: Analyst has an epic comparison to Dawn Staley-Geno Auriemma rivalry

NCAAB News: Analyst has an epic comparison to Dawn Staley-Geno Auriemma rivalry - Bolavip US

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