Freshman guard to miss South Carolina season

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A member of South Carolina coach Dawn Staley’s highly regarded recruiting class, New Jersey guard Doniyah Cliney, will sit out the season.

Staley said in a statement Friday the NCAA approved an initial eligibility waiver to allow Cliney to enroll but not compete for the Gamecocks this winter. Staley said the 6-foot Cliney will concentrate on academics. She will be eligible to practice with the Gamecocks during the spring semester.

Cliney was part of a five-woman class that was ranked No. 2 in the country by ESPN.com and was led by the country’s top-rated prospect in 6-5 A’ja Wilson. Wilson and fellow McDonald’s All-Americans in forward Jatarie White and guard Bianca Cuevas, plus guard Kaydra Duckett are all enrolled.

The Gamecocks open the season Nov. 15 against Southern Cal.