Dawn Staley adds 6-Foot-7 French pro Alicia Tournebize to South Carolina roster

Christian Standal

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Dawn Staley adds 6-Foot-7 French pro Alicia Tournebize to South Carolina roster image

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley is adding a major piece to her roster this season with the arrival of French professional player Alicia Tournebize, a 6-foot-7 forward who brings size, skill, and international experience to the Gamecocks. The program announced on Dec. 22 that Tournebize will enroll at South Carolina following the holiday break and begin classes at the start of the spring 2026 semester, making her eligible to play this season.

Tournebize, just 18 years old, comes to Columbia after playing professionally for Tango Bourges Basket in France. Despite her young age, she has already gained attention for her athleticism and versatility, including multiple in-game dunks that have circulated widely on social media. Her ability to finish above the rim immediately adds a new dimension to South Carolina’s frontcourt.

“Alicia has an incredible skill set and basketball IQ,” Staley said in a release. “She has great touch around the rim, can shoot it out to the 3-point line and is a shot blocker.” At 6-foot-7, Tournebize matches former Gamecock star Kamilla Cardoso as the tallest player South Carolina has had under Staley.

The timing of Tournebize’s arrival is significant. South Carolina has dealt with limited depth throughout the season, often playing with only eight or nine available players due to injuries and illness. Star forward Chloe Kitts was lost to an ACL injury in September, and Ashlyn Watkins announced in July that she would take the year off. Until now, it appeared Staley would navigate the entire season with a shortened rotation.

Tournebize is expected to ease into the lineup, similar to how Adhel Tac and Maryam Dauda have worked behind starters Madina Okot and Joyce Edwards. Edwards currently leads the team in scoring at 22 points per game, while Okot is averaging 15.6. South Carolina ranks near the bottom nationally in bench scoring, averaging just 17.0 points per game, so Tournebize’s offensive potential could provide a major boost heading into SEC play.

Basketball runs deep in Tournebize’s family. Her mother, Isabelle Fijalkowski, played college basketball at Colorado, spent time in the WNBA with the Cleveland Rockets, and is set to be inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026.

South Carolina closes non-conference play on Dec. 28 before opening SEC competition against Alabama on Jan. 1. With Tournebize joining the roster, the Gamecocks gain much-needed depth and a rare talent who could make an immediate impact in conference play.

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Editorial Team