COLUMBIA, S.C. — Ashlyn Watkins is back with the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team after her suspension ended, and she is expected to play in the top-ranked Gamecocks’ next game against No. 9 North Carolina State on Sunday in Charlotte.
Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley said Watkins, a versatile, high-flying, 6-foot-3 forward who led the Southeastern Conference with 91 blocks last season, has looked good in her first few practices since returning from her more than two months away from the team.
Watkins was arrested and charged with assault and kidnapping on Aug. 31 and was suspended from team activities until those charges were dismissed on Nov. 1. Watkins was reinstated to the team Wednesday, and Staley said Friday she wanted to “acclimatize” Watkins before allowing the 21-year-old to address her situation publicly.
Does that mean Watkins won’t play against the Wolfpack?
“If she’s out here, she’s going to play,” Staley said, clarifying later that Watkins will come off the bench as she has much of the past two seasons behind starters Aliyah Boston in 2023 and Kamilla Cardoso last season as the Gamecocks went undefeated and won their second NCAA tournament title in three years and third overall.