Three South Carolina Stars Projected as First-Round Picks in 2027 WNBA Draft: Why Dawn Staley’s Roster Can Withstand Their Exits

South Carolina women’s basketball continues to attract national attention as Dawn Staley prepares her Gamecocks for another competitive season in 2026-27. With a roster packed with talent, the program is once again positioned to develop players capable of making the jump to the WNBA. However, another successful draft class would also raise an important question: Can South Carolina remain a national contender while losing multiple key players to the professional ranks?

The early projections suggest that possibility could become a reality next summer.

CBS Sports recently released its first mock first round for the 2027 WNBA Draft, projecting three current South Carolina players to be selected among the top 15 picks. Forward Ashlyn Watkins, guard Tessa Johnson and forward Chloe Kitts all appeared in the projected first round, reinforcing the talent Staley has assembled in Columbia.

Although these projections are far from guarantees, they offer an encouraging indication of the professional potential within South Carolina’s program.

Three Gamecocks Projected for the First Round

According to CBS Sports, Watkins is projected to go seventh overall to the Los Angeles Sparks. Johnson is forecast to land with the Chicago Sky at No. 11, while Kitts is projected to be selected 13th by the Dallas Wings.

Watkins’ potential selection would give the Sparks an opportunity to add a defensive-minded frontcourt player. Johnson could bring valuable perimeter shooting to Chicago, while Kitts could offer Dallas additional size and reliability in the frontcourt.

Former Gamecock MiLaysia Fulwiley, who now plays for LSU, is also projected to be selected sixth overall by the Sparks. Her inclusion highlights the continuing influence of South Carolina’s talent development, even as former players move on to other programs and professional opportunities.

Ashlyn Watkins: A Defensive Presence With Significant Potential

Watkins’ projected seventh overall selection reflects the defensive qualities she demonstrated before her injury.

CBS Sports writer Jack Maloney pointed to the Sparks’ struggles defensively and explained why Watkins could be an attractive option.

“In the last three seasons, the Sparks have finished 13th, 10th, and 10th, respectively, in defensive rating, and last season they were last in opponent field goal percentage in the restricted area.”

Maloney added that selecting Watkins could help address those weaknesses, describing her as a player who could “really help change their fortunes on the defensive end.”

The analyst also acknowledged the challenges surrounding her projection, including off-court issues and the torn ACL that has kept her out of action since January 2025. Before that setback, however, Watkins had established herself as an impactful interior defender for the Gamecocks.

For South Carolina, Watkins’ development and eventual return to the court could be important factors in determining how much she contributes during the upcoming season.

Tessa Johnson: A Shooting Threat With WNBA Value

Johnson’s projected selection at No. 11 reflects the value of her perimeter shooting. The Chicago Sky have struggled from beyond the arc, and CBS Sports believes the South Carolina guard could help address that need.

Maloney described Johnson as “the best pure shooter in this class,” citing her 47.2% success rate on catch-and-shoot three-point attempts during her previous season at South Carolina.

He also noted that she “would immediately be the best shooter on the roster” if she joined Chicago.

That projection underscores Johnson’s potential value at the next level. Her ability to space the floor, capitalize on open opportunities and punish defensive mistakes could make her an appealing professional prospect.

For the Gamecocks, her shooting remains an important asset as they pursue their goals in 2026-27.

Chloe Kitts: Consistency and Frontcourt Reliability

Kitts is projected to go 13th overall to the Dallas Wings after delivering what Maloney described as the best season of her South Carolina career.

The CBS Sports analyst characterized her as “an extremely solid big” and pointed to Dallas’ potential need for dependable frontcourt depth.

Kitts may not generate the same headlines as some of the draft’s more explosive prospects, but her projected first-round status reflects the value of consistency, size and reliable production.

Her continued development could be significant for South Carolina, particularly as the program manages a demanding schedule against elite competition.

Why South Carolina’s Roster Can Withstand Their Departures

The possibility of losing Watkins, Johnson and Kitts to the WNBA would represent a substantial transition for the Gamecocks. Nevertheless, a successful draft class does not automatically mean South Carolina will experience a major decline.

Staley has consistently built her program around recruiting, player development and competition for playing time. Those elements give South Carolina a foundation for replacing departing talent rather than relying on a small group of players to carry the team indefinitely.

The returning roster and incoming talent will be central to that process. Players such as Joyce Edwards, Agot Makeer and Jordan Lee could have opportunities to take on greater responsibilities, depending on their development, roles and the team’s eventual rotation.

South Carolina also has other frontcourt and perimeter options, including players returning from injury and younger talents looking to establish themselves. Their contributions will help determine how effectively the Gamecocks respond if multiple players enter the professional ranks.

The important distinction is that South Carolina’s depth must translate into production. Recruiting rankings and potential alone cannot replace the experience, chemistry and on-court impact of established contributors. Still, a program with several capable players competing for meaningful minutes has more flexibility when roster changes occur.

The Bigger Picture for Dawn Staley

Three projected first-round selections would be another positive reflection of Staley’s ability to prepare players for basketball beyond college. The WNBA projections also reinforce the challenge she faces each season: developing individual talent while keeping the team focused on collective success.

If Watkins, Johnson and Kitts ultimately become first-round picks, their departures would create opportunities for the next group of Gamecocks to step forward.

For now, the projections remain early forecasts rather than confirmed outcomes. Much can change during the 2026-27 season, and each player’s draft position will depend on performance, health, team needs and the decisions of WNBA organizations.

But the larger message is clear: South Carolina’s success is not built on three players alone. Its ability to recruit, develop and prepare the next wave of talent will be crucial to maintaining its place among the nation’s elite programs.

For Gamecock fans, the goal is not simply to produce WNBA draft picks. It is to develop those players while continuing to compete for championships. If Staley can accomplish both, the departure of key contributors will be a sign of the program’s strength—not necessarily a reason to expect its decline.

About The Author