COLUMBIA — South Carolina coach Dawn Staley has strengthened her roster once again, signing 18-year-old French forward Alicia Tournebize and immediately adding her to the Gamecocks’ lineup.
Tournebize, a 6-foot-7 forward formerly with Tango Bourges Basket in France, will join the team following the holiday break and is eligible to play in South Carolina’s next game, when the No. 3 Gamecocks host Providence on Dec. 28.
“Alicia has an incredible skill set and basketball IQ,” Staley said. “She has great touch around the rim, can shoot from the 3-point line, and is a strong shot-blocker. We’re thrilled that she and her family chose to bring her game to Columbia, and our fans will enjoy her contributions both on and off the court.”
Tango Bourges confirmed that Tournebize’s training agreement would be terminated on Dec. 24 to allow her to pursue academic and athletic opportunities in the U.S. beginning January 2026. South Carolina is currently on its holiday break between academic semesters.
Regarded as one of France’s top young prospects, Tournebize drew attention last season for her athleticism, including highlight dunks. She averaged 2.4 points and two rebounds per game in limited minutes for a veteran team, shooting 53.3 percent from the field. Her EuroLeague play showed a 57.1 percent shooting rate, and she opened the season with 12 points in 12 minutes against Toulouse Métropole.
Internationally, Tournebize helped France finish third at the 2025 FIBA U18 EuroBasket, leading the team in scoring (12.1 ppg) and rebounding (8.9 rpg), ranking among the tournament’s top 10 in both categories, and earning a spot on the All-Star Five. Her team-high 19 points against Belgium in the third-place game highlighted her tournament performance. She also competed in the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup, where France finished fourth.
Tournebize is the daughter of French basketball Hall of Famer Isabelle Fijalkowski-Tournebize, who played at Colorado, had a brief WNBA career, and enjoyed a lengthy international career. Alicia is not listed in U.S. college recruiting databases but is considered a potential 2027 WNBA draft prospect under international eligibility rules.
Staley first spotted Tournebize during a recruiting trip to France in October, sharing a photo of a prospect’s distinctive shoes on social media—later revealed to be Tournebize. She visited USC during the Nov. 22 football game against Coastal Carolina.
Tournebize’s addition provides crucial depth for the Gamecocks as they navigate the challenging SEC schedule. Even limited minutes will provide welcome relief for a team that has only fully utilized its 10-player roster four times in 13 games.
MAJOR BOOST:Gamecocks enhance roster with highly regarded French prospect; Tournebize granted immediate eligibility
