Chloe Kitts wasn’t the first athlete to tear her ACL, and she won’t be the last. She might not even be the last of the remainder of the college basketball season. However, she might be the next in line to return from such an ACL recovery.
At least, that appears to be the hope for Kitts and teammate Raven Johnson, according to a Wednesday report by The State. Kitts told the publication that her knee is coming along well and feels just as good. However, there is still a road ahead in recovery.
“I felt great the whole time, my knee feels great. But it’s just not about how you feel,” Kitts said. “The inside of your body has to heal. So of course, they’ve told me to slow down a whole bunch of times, but they’re not letting me get ahead. … I’m not going to do dumb stuff. I’m gonna take my time for sure. This is a serious injury, not to play with, and I don’t want it to happen again.”
Her teammate Johnson was anxious to see her return. Perhaps if it were her decision, Kitts would be back in the fold.
“I feel like Chloe could play now,” Johnson said at the SEC Tournament. “She’s running, she’s shooting the ball, she’s working out already; it’s her mindset. Her mindset is so different.
“She’s ready to get back on the court, and she’s attacking her rehab. See me, when I tore my ACL, I wasn’t doing what she was doing, so I’m watching her. I was like, ‘Dang. I’m learning something new about her.’”
Kitts won’t be back this season as her recovery continues. However, the injury won’t be her final moment with the team, with a return slated in time for the 2026-27 season.
Chloe Kitts’ Father Prys Open Roster Spot For Daughter
Most agree the South Carolina Gamecocks star has a resume strong enough to enter the WNBA as a respected prospect. Still, Chloe Kitts chose to return to college for one more run. Kitts’ father, Jason, appeared to be a big reason why.
“(Dawn Staley) gave me a call, and I said, ‘Hey, this is non-negotiable,’” Jason said. “She’s coming back. She’s going to be around you, she’s going to be in the culture, she’s going to be in the community. She’s going to be bigger, faster, stronger, and we’re definitely not limping into a WNBA Draft that we don’t even know if there’s going to be one.”
Kitts will have an opportunity to build on her first average double-digit scoring season in 2024 with another jump in 2026.
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