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An unfortunate update on Ashlyn Watkins' injury situation

by: Kevin Miller01/08/25kevinbmiller52
South Carolina women's basketball forward Ashlyn Watkins (Photo by Jackson Randall)
South Carolina women's basketball forward Ashlyn Watkins (Photo by Jackson Randall)

South Carolina women’s basketball forward Ashlyn Watkins suffered a knee injury over the weekend against Mississippi State. Following the game, there was some optimism about her situation after Watkins and her father expressed they believed she would be “fine.”

Unfortunately, though, an MRI confirmed that Watkins has torn her ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2024-2025 season. The Gamecocks announced the news via a press release on GamecocksOnline.

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With Watkins being out, South Carolina loses its best shot-blocker, arguably its best rebounder, and its best overall defender. The Gamecock forward was fourth in the SEC in blocked shots per game despite playing in a crowded frontcourt. On the season, she was averaging 7.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game.

Starting bigs Chloe Kitts and Sania Feagin and fellow reserves Joyce Edwards and Maryam Dauda all could see an uptick in minutes. Also, 6’5″ redshirt freshman Adhel Tac’s role could grow, especially when the Gamecocks need extra rebounding and rim protection.

Fellow big Sakima Walker and guard Maddy McDaniel also have been out recently while dealing with injuries. However, both players are expected to return in the not-too-distant future.

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South Carolina will return to action this week with two home games against teams from Texas. On Thursday, the Texas A&M Aggies come to town for a 5:00 p.m. contest that will air on ESPN2. Then, on Sunday, the No. 5-ranked Texas Longhorns and No. 2 Gamecocks will tip at 1:00 p.m. on ESPN.

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