Dawn Staley Confirms Alicia Tournebize’s South Carolina Debut Against Texas
South Carolina women’s basketball is set to welcome a new talent to its roster. Forward Alicia Tournebize, a 6-foot-7 freshman from Vichy, France, will make her debut on January 15. She will face fourth-ranked Texas at Colonial Life Arena.
Alicia Tournebize’s Background
Tournebize joined the Gamecocks officially on December 22. She arrived in Columbia on January 1 and completed paperwork to start practicing the following week. Although she warmed up before a recent game against Georgia, she did not play. Coach Dawn Staley indicated that Tournebize needed more practice time.
- Debut Date: January 15
- Opponent: No. 4 Texas
- Previous Club: Tango Bourges Basket
- International Experience: Played for France in the 2025 FIBA U18 EuroBasket tournament
Coach’s Insights and Team Dynamics
Staley expressed confidence in Tournebize’s abilities. After observing her recent practices, Staley stated, “She’ll play, she’ll definitely play.” The Gamecocks’ offense may benefit from her presence, potentially reducing the average minutes of other players, like sophomore forward Joyce Edwards.
Edwards spoke highly of Tournebize, emphasizing her quick learning skills and defensive prowess. “Her defense is great. Offensively, she can shoot and space the floor out,” Edwards noted.
Tournebize’s Unique Skills
There is curiosity surrounding Tournebize’s dunking ability. She is known for making significant strides in this area, becoming the first recorded French woman to dunk in a game in September 2024. In 2025, she executed a noteworthy two-handed dunk, showcasing her athleticism and skill.
Family Legacy in Basketball
Alicia Tournebize is part of a basketball lineage. Her mother, Isabelle Fijalkowski, played for the University of Colorado before entering the WNBA draft in 1997. Fijalkowski played professionally in France until 2002.
Statistical Highlights
During her time at Tango Bourges Basket, Tournebize had a promising start, scoring 12 points in 12 minutes in her first game this season. With the French national U18 team, she averaged 12 points and 8.9 rebounds per game.
Final Thoughts
Alicia Tournebize’s integration into the South Carolina basketball team promises to bring both excitement and fresh dynamics. Fans and teammates eagerly anticipate her performance against Texas, which could set the tone for the remainder of the season.
