Dawn Staley discusses how Nike could aid in recruitment for South Carolina women’s basketball.
Fans have been looking forward to South Carolina’s impending transition from Under Armour to Nike. According to the terms that were first disclosed, women’s basketball may be significantly impacted by the changeover. Following the first official preseason practice, Dawn Staley discussed the impending transfer for South Carolina.
Staley thanked Under Armour for its support over the last 15 seasons before discussing the switch to Nike. The “You win some, you lose none” campaign following the 2024 national championship, alternate uniforms, shirzees, billboards, and advertisements at the Final Four are just a few examples of how Under Armour has shown the Gamecocks support, she said.
Staley remarked, “Under Armour was great to us.” When we took home three national titles, we donned Under Armour. Therefore, it has nothing to do with what they have done to us. We have developed wonderful friendships and relationships with them.
If there are negative emotions, they are not visible. This season, Under Armour has given South Carolina new practice outfits, something the brand most likely didn’t have to do. There has long been a belief that the Under Armour connection has hurt South Carolina’s recruiting efforts. According to the belief, recruits sign with Nike schools because they want to wear Nike.
Staley didn’t seem to necessarily buy that theory, but she said the switch to Nike should help recruiting if for no other reason than change is appealing.
According to Staley, “I do think it helps recruiting.” “Change facilitates hiring. Simply make a change. It’s Nike. Regardless of the type of box they receive, the majority of children appear to be drawn to Nike. They are drawn to the fact that you can obtain less. However, I believe Nike will succeed in every sport here. Additionally, I believe there will be enough of space for women’s basketball to showcase our legends.
Three of the icons are Nike athletes: Allisha Gray, Kamilla Cardoso, and of course, A’ja Wilson (Aliyah Boston signed with adidas). All three of them wore Wilson’s signature shoe, the A’One, this season, and Gray and Wilson wore jerseys promoting the switch when it was disclosed (Cardoso was participating in the AmeriCup event at the time). Additionally, the contract contains a whole section devoted to “A’ja Wilson Integration.”
Wilson will be involved in the design and promotion of the Gamecocks’ brand in addition to having South Carolina wear his signature shoe, the A’One (albeit it will be the A’Two by the time the Gamecocks get their hands on it).