WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden believes he knows the reason behind the success of South Carolina women's basketball. And he made it pretty clear as the Gamecocks celebrated their 2024 national championship at the White House on Tuesday.

"I know why you’re so good, you got a girl from Philly running this team," Biden said, which resulted in immediate laughter and applause. "I married a Philly girl. You don’t screw around with a Philly girl, man. They’re tough. Jilly from Philly."

Biden was referring to his wife and first lady, Jill Biden, who grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley grew up in North Philadelphia and went to high school roughly 20 miles from where Jill Biden attended school.

Staley has never hidden her passion for Philadelphia and she has incorporated aspects of Philly sports into her life in South Carolina. In April, at a Philadelphia 76ers playoff game, Staley rang the bell before the game and shared an embrace with 76ers legend Allen Iverson. She also has worn Philadelphia Eagles jerseys while coaching.

Jill Biden was not at the ceremony on Tuesday, but not too long ago, she had her own special moment with Staley. In July, Staley joined Biden as part of the presidential delegation at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. She posted an image of her with the first lady on X, formerly known as Twitter.

To begin the event Tuesday, the Gamecocks walked into the East Room, with the South Carolina fight song playing, then President Biden and Staley walked in. They exited in the same groupings.

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Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@gannett.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: What President Joe Biden said about Dawn Staley, Jill Biden and Philly