Another French Prospect Joins Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Roster: What to Know
Dawn Staley continues to expand her global pipeline, as the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball have added another French standout to their already loaded 2026–27 roster.
The latest addition is 18-year-old guard Justine Loubens, a rising international talent who brings both professional and national team experience to Columbia. Loubens most recently played in France’s top league and shot an efficient 63.9% from the field while averaging 6.5 points per game—numbers that highlight her scoring efficiency and polished offensive game.
At 6-foot-1, Loubens is widely regarded as one of the better shooters in her class coming out of France, and her experience against pro-level competition should ease her transition into the physical demands of the SEC.
International Connection Growing
Loubens becomes the second French player on the roster, joining forward Alicia Tournebize. The two already have chemistry, having played together for France in multiple FIBA youth competitions, including the U18 EuroBasket and U17 World Cup.
That familiarity could pay immediate dividends, giving South Carolina a unique international duo with built-in cohesion.
Proven on the Global Stage
Loubens has consistently performed in international play, averaging:
7.6 points at the 2025 U18 EuroBasket
11.3 points at the 2024 U17 World Cup
Her ability to score efficiently and adapt to different competition levels makes her a valuable depth piece with upside.
What It Means for South Carolina
With Loubens’ addition, South Carolina now carries a full 15-player roster—something rarely seen under Staley.
More importantly, it underscores a clear trend: Staley is aggressively tapping into international talent to complement elite domestic recruiting. The result is a deeper, more versatile roster capable of competing for another national title.
Bottom Line
Loubens may not arrive with the same hype as some five-star recruits, but her experience, shooting, and familiarity with a teammate already on the roster make her a quietly impactful addition. For a program already near the top, this move adds yet another layer of depth—and global flair—to a championship contender.
