What We Know So Far
Sightings and Reports
- Over the weekend, Kitts was seen in a leg brace and using crutches at a USC event.
- At a South Carolina volleyball match vs. Georgia, she appeared in a large knee brace on her right leg.
- A photograph accompanying the report shows her in the brace and walking with assistance, which has spurred speculation and concern among fans and media. (On3)
- The official team (South Carolina) has not publicly confirmed any diagnosis or given updates on her status. A team spokesperson was reportedly unable to provide details when asked.
- Also, an athletics source indicated that Kitts hopes to “play through it” and avoid surgery, although it is unknown whether the issue stems from a practice injury, chronic condition, or something not directly basketball-related.
- Earlier in preseason, on September 22 (their first official practice day), local media did observe Kitts participating in practice—i.e. she was present and active at that time. (thestate.com)
Player Profile & Stakes
To appreciate the significance of the injury, consider Kitts’ recent performance and role:
- In the 2024–25 season she posted career highs: 10.2 points per game, 7.7 rebounds per game, and solid efficiency.
- She was a key contributor in South Carolina’s deep postseason run: she earned SEC Tournament MVP honors and was named to All-Region teams.
- Given her versatility, rebounding, and presence in the frontcourt, she is a crucial piece in the Gamecocks’ rotation and plans for the upcoming season.
Possible Diagnoses & Scenarios
Because no formal medical update has been released, we must rely on inference and reasonable possibilities. Some of the plausible scenarios include:
- Knee sprain / ligament strain
- Wearing a brace and avoiding surgery might suggest a moderate sprain (e.g., MCL, LCL, or minor meniscal irritation).
- The brace could serve to stabilize the joint while healing.
- Meniscus irritation / cartilage issue
- These often flare with activity, and braces are commonly used to offload stress.
- If mild, they can sometimes be managed nonoperatively, but symptoms could persist or worsen with rigorous play.
- Chronic overuse / stress injury
- There is a possibility that this is not a sudden traumatic injury but an exacerbation of a chronic condition (e.g. tendinopathy, wear of cartilage) that now requires bracing.
- That might explain why the team is not rushing to declare a surgical path.
- Something non-basketball or incidental
- The source had noted that it’s unclear whether the issue is tied to practice, a basketball injury, or something else entirely. (thestate.com)
- In rarer cases, leg braces are used for support in non-traumatic orthopedic conditions (e.g. ligament laxity, stability issues).
Because she is “hoping to play through it,” the team and medical staff may attempt a conservative route (rest, physical therapy, bracing, load management) before considering surgical intervention.
How This Could Affect the Season Opener & Early Season
The timing of this development is delicate, since the season is approaching. Here’s how the brace / injury situation could ripple into South Carolina’s start:
1. Availability & Usage Limitations
- There is a risk that Kitts may be limited or unavailable for the opener if the brace is still in use and if she is uncomfortable with full mobility or contact.
- Even if she is cleared, she might not be at 100% — minutes restrictions, limited mobility, or cautious usage may be imposed early on.
- The team may choose to “bring her along slowly” rather than push her into full force immediately.
2. Rotation & Frontcourt Depth Impacts
- South Carolina’s frontcourt rotation will likely need to absorb more minutes or heavier workloads from other forwards and post players (e.g. Joyce Edwards, Madina Okot) if Kitts is restricted.
- Opponents may test the Gamecocks by attacking her side, probing mobility limitations in defense or exploiting mismatch opportunities around her knee.
3. Chemistry & Game Flow Adjustments
- If Kitts is not fully available, lineups may shift, spacing may adjust, offensive sets may be tweaked to account for less movement or driving ability from her end.
- The coaching staff may lean more on other contributors early on, which could influence how quickly the team can establish rhythm.
4. Psychological & Momentum Factors
- Uncertainty around a star player’s health can weigh on team morale, especially early. Opponents may try to exploit that unease.
- Conversely, if Kitts can play through and gradually ramp back to full strength, it could become a rallying storyline and galvanize the unit.
5. Longer-Term Risk & Management
- If the underlying issue is more serious than anticipated, pushing too hard early could aggravate the injury and force extended absence.
- The medical and coaching staff must carefully balance short-term gain (having her on the floor) with long-term risk (preventing worsening or surgery).
Outlook for the Opener & What to Watch
Given the information available:
- It seems unlikely (though not impossible) that she will be at full strength for South Carolina’s season opener.
- Even if she suits up, expect minute restrictions or conservative usage.
- The coaching staff will likely monitor her closely and adjust game plans accordingly.
Key indicators to watch as the opener nears:
- Official medical update from South Carolina or the athletic department (e.g. practice reports, coach statements).
- Practice reports — does she participate fully in scrimmages, defensive drills, full-court movement?
- Warm-up observations / shootaround — does she perform high-intensity movements? Does the brace appear supportive or limiting?
- Lineup announcements / preseason exhibition games — do we see her on the floor, and if so, for how long?
- Usage metrics in early games — if she plays, tracking minutes, touches, and whether she avoids heavy stints (e.g. back-to-back intense quarters) will be telling.
If she can manage the brace support and avoid further aggravation, the Gamecocks may still field a strong squad early. But the uncertainty around her condition injects risk into their frontcourt continuity and performance expectations in the season’s opening stretch
