ESPN personality Elle Duncan seemed taken aback at a South Carolina women's basketball practice when she looked out on the court and saw men in black shorts and yellow t-shirts squaring off against the Lady Gamecocks.
"Okay, I'm going to address the elephant in the room," Duncan, one of the faces of ESPN, said to USC coach Dawn Staley. "Who are the dudes?"
A shocked-looking Staley replied, "They're the Highlighters. They're a big reason for our success. When we win championships, they get rings."
The concept of guys practicing against women dates back to the early 1970s when legendary Tennessee coach Pat Summitt came up with the idea.
And it's a trend that Winthrop's Semeka Randall Lay, who just happens to be a two-time All-American under Summitt, uses today.
"They elevate the level of intensity and physicality," the Eagles coach said after a recent practice.
Practicing against guys forces the women to play at a higher speed against bigger competition. The theory is that when women play against other women, the game seems to slow down.
Winthrop's student practice players are Durand Brown, Aontrel Simms, and Jake Balough. They're joined by Winthrop grad assistant Ze'Bias Moye and team video coordinator Jackson Kenyon.
Their job is to emulate the next opponent's tendencies on offense and defense.
"We're asking them to do what we expect to see. Some players have been known to watch game film," Randall Lay said. "But most of the time they get together with coaches and go over the plays."
Ze'Bias and Jackson are on staff and are free to practice, Durand, Aontrel, and Jake must adhere to NCAA restrictions. They must be students, have eligibility, and maintain grades just like any other athlete in the program.
"I've had to have some conversations about what they have to do in the classroom," Randall Lay said. "I've even had to send some to study hall."
So how did these young men come to be practice players?
"I was playing at the West Center," Durand, a 5-8 junior from Richland Northeast said. "I love basketball and this was just another way to compete."
"I saw a flier my sophomore year and checked it out," said Aontrell, a 6-1 senior from York Prep said.
Kenyon gave Randall Lay the inside height she needed. The 6-9 staffer played two years at Miami (Ohio).
"When our inside players go against (Jackson) they need to concentrate on spacing and positioning," Randall Lay said. "It gives you a feeling about what you're going to face."
And what do the students get for their troubles and dedication? If you're thinking some financial assistance, you're wrong.
"They get some practice gear and a free meal every now and then, but that's it." Randall Lay explained. "They do it because they want to help. When we practice at 7 in the morning, they're right there.
"We couldn't do without them."
