ESPN recently aired the documentary “For the Culture”, centered in South Carolina, showing the Gamecocks’ reflections on the 2019-20 season shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gamecocks are one of the most visible teams in college basketball – a very intentional team strategy while the recruitment wars continue to be fierce. When ESPN approached Gamecocks about the documentary, they provided a lot of behind-the-scenes footage. Thus, the question arises as to why the team was not highlighted before, or why Staley does not have a series on the SEC Network.
Despite defeating the top 13 teams in the NCAA women’s Top-25, claiming first place in the ranking and never giving up, South Carolina played the second violin for the Oregon Ducks in the mainstream media during the 2019-20 NCAA season.
The documentary’s several notable takes include the return of Mikiah Herbert Harrigan to the team and adversity after his only loss of the season. ESPN, therefore, shows the future – and how changing culture changes the game.
In addition to his success, Staley always looks at the role. Many praise her as a fashion icon in her “court haute couture”. Whether she’s wearing Gucci tops or sequined designer pants, her outfits, as well as her team, don’t miss out.
And the kicks? You cannot forget the kicks.
At a time when some main coaches posting mockingly photos of themselves being arrested by former players, Staley is empowering her players, mostly black, being herself openly. You saw the same air of confidence in many of your players throughout the documentary.
The Olympic athlete, national champion and fashion expert is one of the biggest and most authentic personalities in basketball.
The best players from across the country recognize their authenticity, as noted by their top recruiting class.
Consider this: when Laeticia Amihere traveled to South Carolina for a recruitment visit, Staley brought a buffet to prepare African cuisine for Amihere and her mother, who is from Ivory Coast. Of course, many coaches strive to recruit. But in cultures across the Diaspora, Staley understands the importance of making people feel like family, especially mothers.
“In 19 years of recruiting, I never heard that, but your mother said, ‘I will give you my daughter,'” said Staley. “I took this seriously. She said she was entrusting her daughter to me to help her make her a complete person. “
Initially, we saw ‘Pela Cultura’ on full display during the 2016-17 season, which ended with a national championship won in Dallas. The media ran around trying to capture the historic victory, but with so many personalities on one team, many managed to capture Gamecocks’ biggest star: A’ja Wilson.
She went from hoisting the trophy to hugging her trainer for old school dances with the band. At the beginning of the season, we saw his club banger singer “Knuck If You Buck” in a locker room after leading his team to another conference tournament title. When Staley brought Wilson to South Carolina, many knew that the day in Dallas would come. Still, few predicted the cultural impact the pair would have on the game.
“We are creating a culture for women’s basketball culture,” said Staley, at the end of the documentary.
What the Hall of Fame coach represents is a new era in women’s college basketball, but built on old ideals. She is having fun and allowing herself to be bold, while showing off with a champion’s arrogance and showing players how to become champions.