The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball program has become synonymous with excellence over the past decade, a dominant force under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley. With multiple Final Four appearances, a national championship, and a seemingly endless pipeline of elite talent, the Gamecocks have set the standard in women’s college basketball. But as the 2025 season approaches, South Carolina faces a new challenge that could ripple through its carefully constructed foundation—Ashlyn Watkins, the electrifying forward and defensive anchor, will be absent. Her unexpected unavailability raises questions not only about the Gamecocks’ rotation but also about their chances to stay atop the national conversation. The implications are both tactical and emotional, as Watkins has been more than just a contributor; she’s been a tone-setter.
Watkins’ impact on the floor was undeniable. She brought energy, tenacity, and a level of athleticism that made her one of the most exciting players to watch in the SEC. Her ability to protect the rim, rebound aggressively, and finish through contact gave South Carolina a physical edge that few teams could match. Averaging nearly a double-double during her last healthy season, Watkins had emerged as a linchpin for a team that prided itself on defense first and foremost. Whether she was swatting shots into the second row or skying for a putback dunk—a rare and thrilling sight in the women’s game—Watkins elevated the Gamecocks with her presence alone. In an ecosystem of stars and elite role players, she was both.
The challenge now facing Staley and her staff is multifaceted. Replacing a player like Watkins is never a one-to-one equation. Her athletic gifts were unique, and her motor was relentless. But more importantly, Watkins was a security blanket for South Carolina in games where things weren’t going according to plan. When guards weren’t hitting outside shots or when opposing post players began to find their rhythm, it was often Watkins who would deliver a timely block, a crucial rebound, or an offensive board that reset the possession. These “little things” are often what separate contenders from champions, and without her, South Carolina will need to rethink their approach on both ends of the floor.
The rebounding battle in particular is now a question mark. South Carolina has long dominated the glass thanks to players like A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and more recently, Watkins. Her absence leaves a void that younger, less experienced players will need to fill. While the program continues to attract elite recruits, there’s a steep learning curve in the SEC, and freshmen can be unpredictable under pressure. It’s not just about grabbing rebounds—it’s about positioning, anticipation, and understanding how to read opponents’ tendencies. Watkins excelled at these nuances, and her ability to secure second-chance points was an often-underappreciated element of South Carolina’s scoring strategy.
Beyond the statistical impact, there’s an emotional and leadership component to consider. Watkins may not have always been the most vocal leader on the team, but her energy was contagious. She led by example, diving for loose balls, sprinting back on defense, and setting the physical tone from the opening tip. In tight games, especially on the road in hostile environments, this kind of presence can make a world of difference. Without her, South Carolina will need someone else to assume that mantle—someone who can lift the team when adversity hits, someone who refuses to let the Gamecocks fade into mediocrity when the pressure intensifies.
This puts more responsibility on upperclassmen and returning players to step into leadership roles, not just in words but in actions. Players like Raven Johnson and Chloe Kitts may now be asked to do more than originally anticipated. Johnson, already showing promise as a floor general, will need to improve her decision-making and scoring consistency. Kitts, a talented forward with offensive upside, will have to increase her rebounding tenacity and defensive presence. These shifts require not just physical adjustments, but a mindset evolution. The best programs adapt, and South Carolina will need to do so quickly.
Then there’s the matter of scheme and strategy. Dawn Staley is known for her adaptability, often tailoring her game plans around the specific strengths of her roster. With Watkins unavailable, Staley may opt for smaller, quicker lineups that emphasize ball movement and perimeter shooting over post dominance. This could open opportunities for wings and guards to take on bigger roles, possibly turning South Carolina into a more up-tempo team. However, this also brings risk. Changing identity midstream can lead to growing pains, and while the Gamecocks have the coaching to survive such transitions, it’s a gamble. Staley will need to trust in her player development pipeline and hope that someone emerges from the shadows to fill the gap.
The timing of Watkins’ absence couldn’t be worse. With the 2025 season promising to be one of the most competitive in recent memory—LSU is reloaded, UConn is healthy, and teams like Stanford and Iowa remain dangerous—the margin for error is razor-thin. Every game counts when it comes to seeding, and South Carolina’s early-season matchups will be under a microscope. A stumble in the non-conference slate could haunt them come March. Watkins’ ability to be a stabilizing force during the early-season adjustments is now gone, and that stability will need to come from somewhere else, quickly.
Recruiting, as always, will be a factor. South Carolina’s bench is stacked with five-star talent waiting for a chance. Could this be the moment for one of the under-the-radar recruits to blossom into a breakout star? It’s possible, and there’s precedent. South Carolina has turned raw athletes into All-Americans before, and Staley has an eye for finding the right lineup chemistry. Still, it’s a tall order to ask a freshman or sophomore to replace a player who brought so many intangibles to the table. Watkins wasn’t just about stats—she was about swagger, momentum, and game-changing moments. That’s not easily taught or replaced.
Off the court, the Gamecocks will also have to manage the media and public perception of this loss. As one of the most high-profile programs in the country, every South Carolina move is dissected, every stumble exaggerated. The absence of Watkins will become a storyline, and how the team responds will reveal much about their internal culture. Will they rally together and use it as motivation, or will cracks begin to show? With social media always lurking and critics quick to pounce, the pressure is immense.
There’s also the human element. Watkins herself will be watching from the sidelines, and her emotional investment in this season shouldn’t be underestimated. A player of her caliber wants to compete, to be on the floor with her teammates, to make an impact. Her journey back, whether it be from injury or another circumstance, will be a subplot throughout the season. Teammates will undoubtedly be playing not just for the school, not just for glory, but for Ashlyn too. That kind of motivation can be powerful, but it can also create a sense of urgency that leads to forced play or miscommunication on the court.
In the end, the Gamecocks are still a contender. The culture is too strong, the coaching too elite, and the talent too deep for them to fall off the map entirely. But make no mistake—Ashlyn Watkins’ absence alters the equation. It shifts roles, demands faster growth, and tests the mettle of a program that’s already achieved greatness but now seeks to sustain it amid adversity. Championships are often won not by the most talented teams, but by those who respond best to setbacks. South Carolina has been here before in some form, and their history suggests they won’t fold.
Still, the 2025 season will be remembered, in part, by how they navigated the void left by a player who brought fire, flair, and fearlessness every time she stepped on the hardwood. If the Gamecocks manage to rise again, it will be a tribute not only to those who stepped up—but also to the towering absence of the one who couldn’t be there to help. Ashlyn Watkins may not be on the court, but her shadow will loom large over everything South Carolina does this year.
