July 31, 2025

Ashlyn Watkins to Sit Out Entire Basketball Season

News Summary

South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins plans to take the entire upcoming basketball season off due to recovery from an ACL injury. The announcement allows the coaching staff to prepare their lineup without uncertainty regarding her return. Watkins, a key player noted for her defensive skills and unique accomplishments, averages 7.3 points and 5.5 rebounds throughout her career. The Gamecocks are set to adapt with notable new additions while looking ahead to Watkins’ anticipated return.

South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins has announced that she will take the entire 2025-26 basketball season off, with plans to return for the 2026-27 season. The announcement was made via social media, adding clarity to her current status and future plans.

Watkins, who was expected to be a senior next season, had her junior season cut short due to an ACL tear sustained during a game against Mississippi State on January 5. She played just 14 games last season, averaging 7.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks before the injury. In the previous season, 2024, Watkins showcased her skill set more prominently, averaging 9.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and a team-best 2.4 blocks. Her performances earned her second-team All-SEC honors and she set a South Carolina school record with 20 rebounds during the Final Four against NC State.

At 6-3, Watkins is notable not only for her solid performance but also for being the only player in South Carolina program history to dunk in a game, achieving this remarkable feat four times. Her contributions as the Gamecocks’ best defender during the team’s undefeated 2023-24 season were significant, and her absence this past season was felt acutely in terms of rebounding and rim protection.

The timing of her announcement is strategic, as it allows the South Carolina coaching staff to solidify their lineup without the uncertainty of her knee recovery hanging over them. After undergoing surgery in late January, it is anticipated that the typical recovery period would span at least nine months.

This offseason, South Carolina has made notable additions, including Madina Okot, a 6-6 transfer from Mississippi State who averaged nearly a double-double last season, stepping into a roster that also features returning players Maryam Dauda and Adhel Tac, who are expected to take on larger roles next season. The frontcourt will be led by Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards, both of whom received All-American honors this past season. Kitts was also named SEC Tournament MVP and Birmingham Regional MVP.

Throughout her career at South Carolina, Watkins has competed in 84 games, averaging 7.3 points and 5.5 rebounds. The emergence of Okot, coupled with established talent in Kitts and Edwards, positions the Gamecocks favorably as they look to maintain a competitive edge during the upcoming season.

In a separate facet of her timeline, Watkins faced significant legal challenges in August 2024, which included an arrest on assault and kidnapping charges. However, these charges were dismissed after she completed a pre-trial intervention program. She initially missed the opening game of the season due to suspension but returned to practice shortly after.

Head coach Dawn Staley expressed support for Watkins, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual journeys that extend beyond the court. This support aligns with the program’s focus on the holistic development of its players.

As the Gamecocks prepare for the 2025-26 season without Watkins, her planned return for 2026-27 becomes crucial for maintaining continuity and strength within the lineup, particularly since Kitts and Okot are set to graduate after that season.

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