It was a tough blow when junior forward Ashlyn Watkins suffered a torn ACL on her left knee during a game against Mississippi State. It was one of those gut-wrenching moments—Watkins landed awkwardly in the second quarter, immediately grabbed her knee, and just like that, her season was over. Since then, there has been talk of Watkins potentially receiving a medical redshirt. But according to Dawn Staley, that might not be so simple.

Head coach Staley has been vocal about the impact of losing Watkins, emphasizing how the team would rally in her absence. “I know her sisters will rally around her injury and know she will be sorely missed,” Staley said.

When asked about the possibility of Watkins receiving a medical redshirt, Staley responded unexpectedly: “It’s above my pay grade.” While she did add that the team would explore options to get Watkins another year of eligibility, it was a surprising admission from a coach who is typically known for having a firm grasp on roster decisions.

“We’ll do what we need to do to see if we can get that year back. Regardless, they don’t decide on that until you’ve exhausted your eligibility,” she added.

Despite the devastating blow, Staley couldn’t help but acknowledge Watkins’ resilience. “She’s been great” the coach shared during her Carolin Calls segment. She also added that the 6-foot-3 junior forward has been like another coach on the bench.

That’s a silver lining, sure, but let’s be real—it’s not the same as having her on the court.

Dawn Staley looks to explore new options as Gamecocks plays without Watkins’ irreplaceable impact

Watkins’ defensive dominance has been a game-changer for the Gamecocks this season. Her shot-blocking and ability to deter shots have been central to the team’s success. Averaging 7.2 points and leading the team with 6.4 rebounds per game, she has made her presence felt in every one of her 14 appearances. But it’s her 1.9 blocks per game that truly stand out—ranking as the best on the team and the fourth-most in the SEC.

In her three seasons at South Carolina, Watkins has been a vital piece of the No. 2 Gamecocks’ frontcourt rotation, playing a key role in their undefeated national title run last year. Her defensive impact is unquestionable, and she remains a cornerstone of the team’s championship aspirations.

“She’s an impact player on both sides of the ball. She’s a shot blocker, she deters shots, she can play in the paint, on the perimeter defensively and offensively I think she was just coming into her own. I thought she was blossoming the right way,” Staley explained.

With Watkins’ absence now a reality, Staley is calling on her bench players to step up. Names like Maryam Dauda, Sakima Walker, and Adhel Tac are now under the spotlight. “It’s the next woman up,” Staley said. “We’ve had three players at the end of the bench not playing much in games, but in practices, they’ve been increasing their production. We look forward to inserting them into the lineup.”

It’s a solid plan, but replacing Watkins’ presence is no small task. Her shot-blocking, defensive versatility, and ability to disrupt opponents in the paint aren’t qualities that can be replicated easily.

For now, the Gamecocks are rallying around Watkins. Her teammates and coaches are showing their unwavering support. But the big question remains: what’s next for Watkins and the Gamecocks? That’s where things get a little murky.