When Ashlyn Watkins crumpled to the court during South Carolina’s Jan. 5 game against Mississippi State, Gamecocks fans held their breath. The diagnosis confirmed their fears: a torn ACL that would sideline the junior forward for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, derailing what had been a promising campaign for the defensive standout.
The 6’3″ force from Columbia had been averaging 7.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game before the injury, ranking fourth in the SEC in blocks. Her absence left a significant void in South Carolina’s frontcourt, though the team still managed to compile an impressive 35-4 record, claiming SEC regular-season co-championship honors and reaching the national championship game before falling to UConn. But will she return next season?
Ashlyn Watkins’ Road to Recovery Shapes Future Decisions
Recovery from ACL reconstruction typically requires 6 to 12 months of rehabilitation, placing Watkins’ return timeline somewhere between summer and early 2026.
This extended recovery period creates a critical decision point for the talented junior who must now weigh completing her collegiate eligibility against other potential paths.
The NCAA’s medical hardship waiver could be pivotal in Watkins’ decision-making process. Having played 14 games before her injury, she may qualify for an additional year of eligibility, essentially creating a redshirt season that would preserve her remaining collegiate playing time while focusing on rehabilitation.
Coming off a season that included an SEC Tournament championship and sixth straight Final Four appearance, South Carolina remains an elite program that offers Watkins an ideal environment for rehabilitation and development.
The Gamecocks have welcomed promising newcomers, Watkins’ shot-blocking prowess remains irreplaceable.
The McDonald’s All-American and 2024 All-SEC Second Team selection has already cemented her place in Gamecock history with performances like her 20-rebound game in the 2024 NCAA Tournament semifinal.
As a Columbia native who has found success at her hometown university, the emotional connection to the program runs deep.
While no official announcement has emerged regarding Watkins’ plans, several factors suggest she’ll likely remain at South Carolina.
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Access to elite rehabilitation resources, her hometown connection to the program, Coach Staley’s continued support following her legal issues, and the program’s championship culture all work in favor of her return.
For a player of Watkins’ caliber recovering from a serious injury, maximizing collegiate eligibility offers the best path back to peak performance before pursuing professional opportunities, making another year at South Carolina the most probable outcome as she works toward a full recovery.
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