“There is so many Black tutors out there which do not get chances,” Staley said. “Since when ADs do not view it, they do not see it. And they are gonna see it on the greatest stage Friday night”
South Carolina, the No. 1 seed at the Hemisfair Region, will fulfill entire No. 1 Stanford of the Alamo Region at 1 semifinal in 6 pm ET. Mercado Region No. 3 seed Arizona takes on River Walk No. 1 UConn at another semifinal at 9:30 p.m. Both matches are in the Alamodome.
Staley and Barnes will also be the sole former WNBA players that have taken a group into the women’s Final Four. She led the Gamecocks into the Final Four in 2015 and 2017, winning the latter to the program’s first national tournament.
She spoke Monday following her group’s Elite Eight win over Indiana about her respect for Staley. The feeling is mutual,” Staley said.
“I am super proud of Adia, and that I wanted this to occur,” Staley said. “I was cheering for her to do it. Not for any other motive besides being represented in the greatest point. Two black girls representing two programs from the Final Four, something that has not ever been achieved before.
“Our background here in women’s basketball is full of numerous Black bodies, for it to be occurring in 2021, to me, is long overdue,” Staley said. “We are proud, we are happy. I know my phone is most likely filled with text messages Black coaches all around the nation just congratulating us doing this on being present, being at the moment, having the ability to take our apps to this location.”
Staley explained that the lengthy specialist playing professions for her and Barnes also factor into the way they trainer.
“There is always going to be a part player in us,” Staley said. “And that is why our gamers — we’re so relatable into them. We have done that. We are trying to help you reach this location.”
Three other Black girls have coached from the Women’s Final Four.
“Representation things,” Staley said. “Nothing against anyone else who dropped to us. However, when you see two Black girls representing this manner, I expect the decision-makers [note ]. As there are plenty of jobs out there.
“You provide Black girls a chance. Bring them , meeting them. If you do not hire them, make them understand why. So we are able to keep working on perfecting our craft and our livelihood. There are a good deal of individuals around who are not getting the opportunities they need to. As this is just what can happen when you provide a Black girl a chance.”
