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Dawn Staley provides injury update ahead of South Carolina's clash against Texas A&M

Griffin Goodwynby: Griffin Goodwyn01/08/25griffin_goodwyn
South Carolina women's basketball forward Ashlyn Watkins (Photo by Katie Dugan | GamecockCentral)
South Carolina women's basketball forward Ashlyn Watkins (Photo by Katie Dugan | GamecockCentral)

South Carolina head women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley shared injury updates for multiple players Tuesday night during Carolina Calls, which was hosted by Brad Muller and aired on 107.5 The Game.

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The Gamecocks’ most significant injury-related broke hours before the show aired. Gamecock Athletics announced via a press release that Ashlyn Watkins suffered a torn ACL in South Carolina’s game against Mississippi State on Jan. 5.

Prior to her injury, Watkins was in the midst of a strong junior season. She averaged 7.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game across 14 appearances. Watkins additionally ranked fourth in the SEC in blocks per game (1.86).

“(It’s) not often that we’ve had injuries like this one. Unfortunately, Ashlyn’s out for the season,” Staley said. “I know her sisters will rally around her injury, and (I) know she will be sorely missed. But I know Ashlyn will want us to go on and compete and try to win another national championship.”

Staley’s injury report did not turn out to be all bad, though. Staley said she has seen encouraging signs from Maddy McDaniel and Sakima Walker, both of whom participated in practice on Tuesday.

“They were at practice, and they were in some drills. So, they’re ramping up,” Staley said. “I don’t know when their return will be – hopefully, soon.”

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McDaniel, who has not appeared in a game since Dec. 19, has been suffering from a concussion. Through 10 contests, she is averaging 16.8 minutes, 5.2 points and 3.2 assists per game.

Walker, on the other hand, has been dealing with an ankle issue and has not been available since Dec. 9. Her last appearance came on Nov. 28, when she played two-and-a-half minutes against Iowa State.

South Carolina’s initial SEC-mandated availability report for its matchup against Texas A&M will be released on Wednesday at 8:10 p.m. The report will be updated before tip-off on Thursday, should any changes be made to it.

The Gamecocks and Aggies are set to begin play at 5 p.m. at Colonial Life Arena. The game will be aired on ESPN2.

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