“While this isn’t how I hoped my senior season would go, I’m trusting God’s timing and purpose” said Chloe Kitts in a recent statement. The South Carolina Gamecocks star recently dropped a bombshell by announcing that her recent ACL tear will prevent her from playing at all in the upcoming NCAA tournament.

The Gamecocks squad was already set to undergo some major changes this year, since the team doesn’t boast seniors like Bree Hall, Sania Feagin, Te-Hina Paopao, and Sakima Walker, who graduated. The team also lost MiLaysia Fulwiley to the transfer portal, who joined the LSU Tigers squad. To top it off, Kitts’ injury isn’t the only one. Despite this, Dawn Staley remains optimistic.

The Gamecocks’ head coach recently participated in a presser. She addressed Chloe Kitts’ injury and subsequent absence by stating, “It’s not like we’re going to ask someone to be Chloe. That’s impossible, but we’re unafraid to go into the season without her.” Staley added that her players know that anytime she sustains any kind of injury, she and they believe in the system that was put together. Through that, they can believe in the players that have already been assembled.

“…We’ll figure out a way and we’ll make adjustments. I’m somewhat glad it happened at this time when you don’t have to make adjustments midseason” Staley added. “You go with who is healthy to go.”

It is still not specified when and how Chloe Kitts sustained the injury. However, her absence will still be a major loss for the Gamecocks. After all, Kitts is the reigning SEC Tournament MVP, and a player who started in 69 of 75 of her appearances for the Gamecocks in the last 2 seasons.

She averaged 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game as a junior last year. It was a stat she recorded after shooting 4.0-7.7 (52.0%) from the field, 0.2-0.6 (33.3%) 3-pointers, and 2.0-2.5 (79.8%) free throws. Her efforts helped South Carolina reach the national championship game berth in 2025.

Unfortunately, the Gamecocks fell to UConn, 82-59. With Paige Bueckers gone to the WNBA now, this was the prime time to attempt for another win in March Madness. Unfortunately, Kitts’ absence affects that.

Except for Kitts, the other players on the South Carolina Gamecocks’ injury report are star forward Ashlyn Watkins. Earlier this summer, she announced that she’ll be missing the entire upcoming season as she continues rehab for the torn ACL she suffered on January 5.

Amidst all this, it would be easy to get scared. However, even though the Gamecocks have lost some valuable players, it has also added some new faces on whom to rely.

Who will Dawn Staley rely on in Chloe Kitts’ absence?

According to reports, one player that Dawn Staley will be looking to mold is Florida State transfer Ta’Niya Latson. She has been a topic of conversation amongst NCAA fans ever since she led the nation in scoring last year. Over the course of 29 games in the 2024-25 season, she averaged 25.2 points, along with 4.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists, by averaging 8.8-19.5 (45.1%) field goals, 1.3-3.7 (34.3%) 3-pointers, and 6.3-7.8 (81.8%) free throws.

However, former Mississippi State center Madina Okot will also play an important role in the frontcourt. With Kitts out, and Ashlyn Watkins taking this season off to work on her personal life, the former Bulldogs player could be relied on to cover the offense. Last season, Okot averaged 11.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks in the 34 games she started. She shot 5.0-7.7 (64.9%) field goals, 0.0-0.0 (0.0%) 3-pointers, and 1.3-2.1 (62.5%) free throws.

When discussing Ta’Niya Latson and Kitts’ media days replacement, aka junior guard Tessa Johnson, Dawn Staley said, “I just really need them to be themselves. Chloe is irreplaceable for what she brings so tangibly and intangibly. All the players on our roster, with the exception of our two transfers and our freshman, they know what it’s about.”

Do you believe the South Carolina Gamecocks can do well even without Chloe Kitts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below.