Get ready to welcome a game-changer to the Gamecocks family! Alicia Tournebize, a towering 6-foot-4 forward from France, is set to join the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball team after the holiday break, and fans are buzzing with excitement. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Tournebize isn’t just any freshman—she’s a proven talent with a basketball pedigree that’s hard to ignore.
Head coach Dawn Staley couldn’t contain her enthusiasm, praising Tournebize’s ‘incredible skill set and basketball IQ.’ Staley highlighted her versatility—whether it’s her finesse around the rim, her ability to knock down three-pointers, or her shot-blocking prowess. ‘We’re thrilled she’s bringing her talent to Columbia,’ Staley added, ‘and our fans are in for a treat both on and off the court.’
Tournebize’s journey to South Carolina is nothing short of impressive. She’s been a standout player for Tango Bourges Basket, a powerhouse in France’s top women’s league (Ligue Féminine de BasketBall). Starting in their U15 program, she quickly rose through the ranks, earning a spot on the professional roster this season. Despite limited minutes (averaging 7.7 per game), she shot an impressive 53.3% from the field, including a 12-point outburst in just 12 minutes against Toulouse Metropole. And in EuroLeague play? Her shooting percentage jumped to 57.1%.
But it’s her international experience that truly stands out. Representing France in FIBA competitions, Tournebize helped her team secure a bronze medal at the 2025 FIBA U18 EuroBasket, leading in both scoring (12.1 ppg) and rebounding (8.9 rpg). Her performance earned her a spot on the All-Star 5 team, capping off a tournament where she consistently delivered, including a team-high 19 points against Belgium. She also contributed to France’s fourth-place finish at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup.
And this is the part most people miss: Tournebize’s basketball roots run deep. Her mother, Isabelle Fijalkowski, is a legend in the sport. Fijalkowski played college basketball at Colorado, competed in the WNBA, and dominated internationally, winning two EuroLeague titles and five French League championships. Her accolades include inductions into the French Basketball Academy Hall of Fame (2011), the FIBA Hall of Fame (2020), and soon, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. Talk about following in big footsteps!
As Tournebize prepares to make her mark in the U.S., the Gamecocks are gearing up for a busy schedule. Ranked No. 3 in the nation, they’ll host Providence on Sunday, December 28, at Colonial Life Arena, with tipoff at noon on SEC Network. This game will serve as their final tune-up before conference play kicks off on Thursday, January 1.
But here’s the controversial question: Can Tournebize live up to the hype and her mother’s legacy? Or will the pressure of playing in a new country and league prove too much? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—her arrival marks an exciting new chapter for South Carolina basketball. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
