The Gamecocks expect nearly their entire roster to be available for Friday’s exhibition, giving Staley another opportunity to evaluate her lineup before the season opener.
South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has provided encouraging news ahead of the Gamecocks’ exhibition against Benedict College. Everyone on the roster is expected to be available except freshman Kaeli Wynn, according to Staley.
“Everybody else should see some minutes,” Staley said.
The exhibition is scheduled for Friday, October 23, at 7 p.m. ET at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia. It is South Carolina’s final scheduled exhibition before the regular season begins against Maryland in Paris on November 2.
Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins Are Among the Players to Watch
The biggest point of interest is the potential return of Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins, two experienced frontcourt players who missed South Carolina’s September exhibition against College of Charleston.
Kitts missed the entire 2025–26 season after suffering a torn ACL before the campaign began. Her recovery has been closely watched because of the experience and rebounding ability she brings to Staley’s frontcourt.
Watkins also missed last season after suffering an ACL injury in January 2025. She returned to the team in May and has been working toward a return to competition. Both players were held out of the College of Charleston exhibition as a precaution.
Their availability against Benedict could give Staley a better understanding of how to organize her frontcourt rotation. However, being available for the game does not necessarily mean either player will receive an extensive workload.
The coaching staff must consider their readiness as the regular season approaches.
Joyce Edwards and Tessa Johnson Have Already Made Their Case
South Carolina has reasons to feel confident about its returning offensive production.
In the 91–60 victory over College of Charleston, Joyce Edwards recorded 28 points and 16 rebounds. Tessa Johnson added 23 points, while transfer guard Jordan Lee scored 15 points and made all four of her three-point attempts.
Those performances gave Staley several promising options. Edwards demonstrated her scoring and rebounding ability, Johnson showed why she remains an important perimeter threat, and Lee offered another potential source of offense from the backcourt.
The challenge now is determining how those players will fit alongside returning veterans and newcomers as the roster becomes healthier.
South Carolina has several players who can contribute meaningful minutes. Their roles will depend on performance, matchups and the combinations Staley believes give her team the best balance.
What Benedict Could Reveal About South Carolina’s Starting Five
The matchup with Benedict offers Staley one final opportunity to assess her players before the regular season begins.
The starting lineup will attract attention, particularly if Kitts and Watkins are ready to play. Their presence could change the frontcourt combinations and affect how other players are used.
The backcourt also deserves attention. Lee’s performance against College of Charleston gave her a strong introduction to the program, while Johnson and Edwards remain important offensive pieces. Staley must determine which combinations work best together and how to distribute minutes across a deep roster.
Kaeli Wynn’s absence will leave one freshman unavailable, but Staley’s statement suggests that the rest of the team should have an opportunity to gain valuable game experience.
The final exhibition is also important because South Carolina opens its season against Maryland in Paris on November 2, followed by a demanding early schedule that includes North Carolina and Clemson. The coaching staff has limited time left to assess its options before the games begin to count.
For the Gamecocks, Friday’s game is an opportunity to build on the progress made against College of Charleston and gain a clearer picture of the rotation.
Which player are you most eager to see against Benedict College: Chloe Kitts, Ashlyn Watkins, Jordan Lee or another Gamecock?
The answer may reveal which part of South Carolina’s roster fans are most interested in watching as the new season approaches.
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