Chloe Kitts Takeaways Ahead of Nov. 2 Gameday vs Maryland
South Carolina forward Chloe Kitts is set to return this season after missing all of 2025-26 with a torn ACL. With the Gamecocks preparing for their 2026-27 opener, coach Dawn Staley has addressed whether the senior will face a minutes restriction.
“I Am 100%”
Speaking at SEC Tipoff in Birmingham on Oct. 13, Kitts said she feels fully healthy:
“I am 100%. I am out there every day doing everything that I can.”
She has also said she no longer needs a knee brace, though she can wear one if it makes her more comfortable.
Analysis: Dropping the brace signals confidence in the knee, and leaving the option open shows she isn’t forcing the decision. That balance suggests a careful return rather than a rush.
Staley on Minutes
Staley said Kitts will likely be limited in the Oct. 23 exhibition against Benedict College, but she didn’t offer specifics for the regular season:
“That’s above my pay grade.”
The coach added that the team wants her to get game minutes before the opener. Kitts did not play in the earlier exhibition against College of Charleston in September.
Analysis: The Benedict game is the first live test. A controlled workload against a lower-level opponent lets Staley assess the knee and conditioning without risking a rotation that depends on her in November.
Season Opener
South Carolina plays Maryland in Paris on Nov. 2, so Kitts has roughly a week and a half after the exhibition to build rhythm.
Her Pre-Injury Production
Before the injury, Kitts averaged a career-high 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game in 2024-25 and was named the 2025 SEC Tournament MVP. She has appeared in 93 games for South Carolina.
Staley’s Praise
Staley described Kitts’ preparation as “almost obsessive,” and called the forward’s growth over the years “some of my best work.” The SEC media also named Kitts to the Preseason All-SEC Second Team.
Takeaways: Chloe Kitts Before the Season
- Health looks strong. Kitts says she’s fully recovered, and the brace is optional.
- Minutes may be managed early. Staley expects limited action against Benedict and has not committed to a regular-season plan.
- The exhibition is her re-entry. It’s her first game action after skipping the Charleston game.
- Production is proven. Her 2024-25 numbers and tournament MVP award show what she can do at full strength.
- Leadership matters. Staley’s praise for her work ethic and maturity points to a larger role in the locker room.
- The preseason respect is there. The All-SEC second-team selection shows voters expect a full return.
- Timeline is short. With the Paris opener on Nov. 2, the Benedict game is her main chance to get ready.
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