South Carolina forward Ashlyn Watkins, right, is fouled by Arkansas guard Samara Spencer, left, as she drives to the basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
The University of South Carolina has announced that junior forward Ashlyn Watkins is returning to team activities after her legal charges were dismissed earlier this month. The university released a statement confirming that Watkins is back to practicing with the team as of Wednesday.
Before this, Watkins had not participated in team workouts, nor was she part of the group that visited the White House in September to celebrate the team’s national championship from last season. She also missed the season opener against Michigan on Monday night, where the Gamecocks won 68-62 in Las Vegas.
Watkins, who stands 6 feet 3 inches tall, has made a name for herself on the court. Last season, she led the Southeastern Conference by blocking 91 shots and became known for being the only player in her program to record two dunks, one as a freshman and another as a sophomore.
With the departure of Kamilla Cardoso, the team’s top scorer and rebounder who has moved on to the WNBA, Watkins is expected to step up and take on a key role for the Gamecocks this season.
