Ashlyn Watkins to Sit Out 2025-26 Season — What It Means for South Carolina’s Frontcourt
On Friday, South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins announced she will not play in the 2025–26 season, a decision that brings clarity — and some new questions — to the Gamecocks’ loaded frontcourt.
Watkins, who would’ve been a senior, said her choice stems from the toll of a difficult year. She suffered a torn ACL on January 5 against Mississippi State, ending her junior season early. She also missed the season opener due to a suspension following an offseason arrest.
“The decision is about the total impact of everything,” Watkins explained, referencing the challenges that stacked up over time.
Before her injury, Watkins was a key contributor, averaging 7.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks over 14 games. In 2024, she put up 9.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and led the team with 2.4 blocks per game. She was named second-team All-SEC and made history in the Final Four by grabbing a school-record 20 rebounds against NC State.
At 6-foot-3, Watkins is also the only player in program history to dunk in a game — a feat she’s accomplished four times. Known as South Carolina’s top defender during their undefeated 2023–24 campaign, her athleticism, rim protection, and rebounding were sorely missed after her injury.
While her absence is significant, the timing of her announcement may benefit the Gamecocks. Watkins underwent surgery in late January, and even with an unusually fast recovery, her nine-month timeline would end just as the season begins — not ideal for reintegrating her into an already deep rotation.
South Carolina’s frontcourt still boasts plenty of talent. This offseason, they landed 6-foot-6 Madina Okot from Mississippi State in the transfer portal. Though new to basketball, Okot impressed last season with near double-double averages.
Returning alongside her are 6-4 Maryam Dauda and 6-6 Adhel Tac, both of whom had growing pains in their first seasons in Columbia but are expected to take on larger roles. Dauda, who led the SEC in blocks two seasons ago, also brings shooting range. Tac has shown promise as a tough rebounder and an emerging finisher.
At the top of the group are All-Americans Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards. Edwards also earned first-team All-SEC honors, while Kitts was a standout in the postseason, taking home SEC Tournament MVP and Birmingham Regional MVP honors.
Altogether, South Carolina has six strong candidates for two frontcourt spots — a situation that would’ve made it challenging to ease a recovering Watkins back into the mix midseason.
Now, with Watkins sitting out, Dawn Staley and her staff have the next three months to fine-tune rotations and build chemistry among the healthy group — free from the uncertainty of a return timeline.
Looking ahead, Watkins’ decision may also set South Carolina up well for the future. With seniors Kitts and Okot set to graduate after this season, a fully healthy Watkins returning in 2026–27 could be exactly what the Gamecocks need to keep their dominance going strong.
