Columbia, SC — The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball program is navigating a period of significant uncertainty regarding two crucial frontcourt players, as decisions looming over Chloe Kitts and Madina Okot could dramatically reshape the team’s roster and championship aspirations moving forward.
Chloe Kitts: Recovery and Professional Aspirations
Chloe Kitts, one of South Carolina’s most talented post players, is currently in the midst of recovering from an ACL tear—one of the most challenging injuries in basketball. Despite the significant rehabilitation process ahead, Kitts is reportedly considering entering the 2026 WNBA draft, a decision that would mark her departure from the collegiate ranks.
The potential timeline of Kitts’ recovery and her professional aspirations presents an intriguing scenario for both the player and the program. ACL injuries typically require 9-12 months of recovery, and the rigorous rehabilitation process will be crucial in determining both her readiness to return to elite-level basketball and her draft stock heading into 2026.
Kitts’ combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ has made her a valuable asset in South Carolina’s dominant frontcourt rotation. Her potential departure for the professional ranks would represent a significant loss of talent and experience, though it would also be a testament to the program’s ability to develop WNBA-caliber players.
Madina Okot: Eligibility Questions Remain
Adding another layer of complexity to South Carolina’s roster planning is the situation surrounding current starting center Madina Okot. The program is awaiting a determination on whether Okot could receive an additional year of NCAA eligibility—a decision that remains pending.
The possibility of Okot returning for another season would provide significant continuity in the paint, especially if Kitts does indeed pursue professional opportunities. As the team’s starting center, Okot has been a defensive anchor and interior presence, making her potential return a crucial factor in the Gamecocks’ plans for sustained success.
Extra years of eligibility have become more common in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic when the NCAA granted blanket waivers. However, individual circumstances can also warrant additional eligibility, and the outcome of Okot’s case will have substantial implications for roster composition and recruiting strategy.
A Team on the Cusp
The opening statement—”This team could be dangerous”—underscores the potential South Carolina possesses, but also highlights how these pending decisions could determine just how dangerous they become. The Gamecocks have established themselves as perennial national championship contenders under head coach Dawn Staley, and maintaining frontcourt depth is essential to sustaining that elite status.
Looking Ahead
As the program awaits clarity on both situations, Coach Staley and her staff must prepare for multiple scenarios. Whether planning for life without Kitts while potentially retaining Okot, or vice versa, the coming months will be critical in shaping South Carolina’s trajectory.
The uncertainty surrounding these two key players exemplifies the modern challenges of college basketball roster management, where professional opportunities, injury recoveries, and eligibility questions create a complex puzzle that programs must solve to remain competitive at the highest level.
For Gamecocks fans and the program alike, the resolution of these questions cannot come soon enough, as they look to maintain their position among women’s college basketball’s elite programs.
