South Carolina rallying cry going int Sweet 16? Who can guard Tessa?
The “Who can guard Tessa?” T-shirt began as a meme of LSU head coach Kim Mulkey yelling the question Feb. 14 against South Carolina.
SACRAMENTO, CA — The shirt showed up on March 23 draped over South Carolina forward Chloe Kitts’ shoulders. It did not demand attention, wasn’t part of the uniform, but it stood out, enough for fans to notice, laugh and, eventually, join in. Now, it’s everywhere.
It’s likely to make an appearance on March 28, when No. 1 South Carolina takes the floor against No. 4 Oklahoma at the Golden 1 Center for their Sweet 16 matchup.
The “Who can guard Tessa? ” T-shirt began as a meme of LSU head coach Kim Mulkey yelling the question during a timeout in the Tigers’ Feb. 14 game against South Carolina.
Gamecocks junior guard Tessa Johnson put up 21 points and four 3s in the game, a 79-72 South Carolina win. What started as a small moment became a team motto, passed from player to player. The shirt has created a statement on the Gamecocks women's basketball culture, one built as much on connection as it is competition.