President Joe Biden hosted a special ceremony at the White House on Tuesday to honor the 2024 NCAA basketball champions, the University of South Carolina and the University of Connecticut. The event celebrated their impressive national title victories.
South Carolina’s Perfect Season
The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team finished their season with a flawless 38-0 record, claiming their latest NCAA women’s title. This championship is the team’s third under head coach Dawn Staley since 2017. President Biden commended South Carolina for igniting widespread interest in women’s sports.
The Gamecocks’ title game against Iowa attracted a larger audience than the men’s championship, drawing an average of 18.7 million viewers on ABC and ESPN. Peak viewership even reached 24 million. “Everyone is watching women’s sports now,” Biden stated. “When young girls see their heroes, they see the power of your example.”
UConn’s Dominance and Success
Later, Biden honored the UConn men’s basketball team, applauding their recent success. The Huskies, led by coach Dan Hurley, won their sixth national title after a dominant 37-3 season. Biden noted that UConn had four players selected in the first round of the recent NBA Draft.
“There must be something in the water up there,” Biden joked. He also mentioned that 11 UConn athletes are set to compete in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Despite losing all five starters from their 2023 Final Four appearance, South Carolina remained undefeated. UConn’s sixth title places them among NCAA’s elite programs, joining teams like Florida’s 2006-07 squad and Duke’s 1991-92 champions as the only teams since UCLA’s dynasty to win back-to-back championships.
Future Plans and Recognition
Coach Hurley made headlines this summer by turning down an offer to coach the Los Angeles Lakers. Instead, he signed a six-year, $50 million contract to remain with UConn. His goal now is to secure a third consecutive title—a feat no men’s team has achieved since UCLA ran from 1967 to 1973.
For South Carolina, this visit to the White House was their first, as the Gamecocks skipped previous visits after their 2017 and 2022 championships. Vice President Kamala Harris had already visited the team earlier in Columbia, South Carolina.
Coach Staley’s Impact and Political Comments
Dawn Staley, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and the head coach of the U.S. women’s basketball team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, was recently named to represent the United States again at the Paris Olympics. Several notable political figures attended the ceremony, including Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Congressman James Clyburn.
Biden lightheartedly commented that if Staley ever entered politics, she could pose tough competition for South Carolina’s current politicians. “You better hope she keeps coaching and doesn’t run,” Biden joked.
