South Carolina women’s basketball received a major boost on Oct. 23 as Ashlyn Watkins and Chloe Kitts returned to the court following season-ending ACL injuries, giving coach Dawn Staley an encouraging glimpse of what her team could look like heading into the 2026-27 season.
The No. 1-ranked Gamecocks dominated Benedict 113-34 in an exhibition matchup, but the final score was only part of the story. Watkins and Kitts were back in uniform, freshman Jerzy Robinson delivered an impressive college debut, and Staley began evaluating how her roster might handle the challenges ahead.
For South Carolina, the night offered a welcome combination of returning talent, emerging young players, and fresh possibilities on the offensive end.
Ashlyn Watkins and Chloe Kitts Return After ACL Injuries
Watkins had not played for South Carolina in nearly two years before stepping back onto the court against Benedict. The forward tore her ACL in January 2025 and missed the entire 2025-26 season while recovering.
Kitts faced a similar setback after tearing her ACL in October 2025, forcing her to sit out the whole season as well.
Their simultaneous return marked an important moment for a program that had spent months waiting to see both players back in action.
Although neither looked completely comfortable, Staley was encouraged by what she saw.
“They haven’t really played in a long time and they looked a little rusty,” Staley said. “But the more and more rust that they knock off, the better they’re going to be. So it was good to have them to put in the game.”
The coach’s assessment reflected the reality of returning from significant knee injuries. Game speed, conditioning, timing, and confidence all require time to rebuild, even for talented players accustomed to competing at the highest level of college basketball.
Watkins finished with eight points and 10 rebounds in 16 minutes, providing a glimpse of her potential impact on the glass. Kitts also contributed eight points, adding seven rebounds in 12 minutes.
Neither player appeared in South Carolina’s earlier exhibition against College of Charleston on Sept. 27, making the Benedict matchup their first opportunity to see game action this season.
Their minutes were limited, but their presence offered a promising development as the Gamecocks prepare for a demanding schedule.
South Carolina’s Returning Stars Could Strengthen Its Championship Push
Watkins and Kitts were expected to be further along in their basketball careers by this point. Both players had the talent to pursue professional opportunities, but their ACL injuries interrupted those plans and forced them to focus on rehabilitation.
Now, their return gives South Carolina additional options as Staley works to establish the team’s rotation.
Senior guard Tessa Johnson acknowledged how unusual it felt to see her teammates back after initially expecting them to be gone during her final college season.
“Chloe and I were in warmups and we were talking, (saying) ‘Wow this is a little weird,'” Johnson said.
She added that Watkins and Kitts were not originally expected to be around for her senior year, but their return had created excitement within the team.
That enthusiasm could prove valuable as South Carolina navigates a schedule featuring several challenging nonconference opponents.
The Gamecocks open their season against Maryland in Paris, France, on Nov. 2 at noon Eastern Time, with the game scheduled to air on ESPN.
The international opener begins a demanding stretch that includes eight nonconference games against teams ranked in the preseason Top 25.
With that level of competition approaching, Staley will need to balance the excitement surrounding Watkins and Kitts with the importance of managing their return to full strength.
Their performances against Benedict offered an initial look, but their roles could become clearer as they accumulate more minutes and regain their rhythm.
Jerzy Robinson Makes an Immediate Impression in Her College Debut
While Watkins and Kitts commanded attention with their returns, freshman Jerzy Robinson supplied one of the night’s most impressive performances.
Robinson finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and two steals, recording a double-double in her first college appearance.
Her 17 points matched Johnson for the game high, while her 11 rebounds led all players.
For a freshman adjusting to the pace and physical demands of college basketball, the performance offered an encouraging introduction.
“Playing for South Carolina is a dream,” Robinson said. “So I got the utmost motivation, excitement and I’m excited to play with my teammates every night.”
Robinson’s scoring ability was evident, but her all-around production made her performance particularly notable. She contributed on the boards, created opportunities for teammates, and finished with just one turnover.
Those qualities could help her earn a more prominent role as the season progresses.
Could Robinson Help Solve South Carolina’s Point Guard Question?
One of Staley’s important decisions heading into the season involves finding the right players to direct the offense.
South Carolina does not have a traditional point guard on its roster, so Staley has been exploring different combinations of guards capable of handling the ball and creating scoring opportunities.
Robinson could become part of that solution.
After missing the first exhibition, she played 25 minutes against Benedict. She shared ball-handling responsibilities at times and also operated on the wing, but her role became particularly interesting in the fourth quarter, when she helped run the offense for the second and third units.
Staley liked the freshman’s ability to influence the game in several ways.
“I like what Jerzy was doing,” Staley said. “Jerzy is someone that has big-game capability. Had a big game tonight, did it a lot of different ways.”
The coach also expressed confidence in Robinson’s basketball intelligence and potential to embrace the point guard position.
Staley believes the freshman could introduce a different dimension to an offense that is still developing its preferred combinations.
However, she also emphasized that Robinson remains a work in progress.
Improving her comfort at point guard and gaining experience in that role will be important if South Carolina decides to give her more responsibility.
Her performance against Benedict strengthened the case for further experimentation, although the coaching staff will have to determine how she fits alongside the team’s other guards.
Why Adhel Tac Missed the Benedict Exhibition
South Carolina also had to account for the absence of senior forward Adhel Tac, who did not play against Benedict.
Staley had previously identified Kaeli Wynn as unavailable because of knee problems that kept her out throughout her senior year of high school.
Tac’s absence, however, was attributed to a migraine rather than a basketball-related injury.
“Adhel had a migraine so we didn’t really want to put her out there and make it worse,” Staley said.
Despite the absence, Staley was pleased with the opportunity to evaluate several players and observe how they responded to increased responsibility.
She described the exhibition as a small sample of what the roster could contribute during the season.
With the regular season approaching, those evaluations will help determine playing time, lineup combinations, and the roles players will be expected to fill.
What Comes Next for the Gamecocks?
South Carolina’s 113-34 victory over Benedict provided more than a comfortable exhibition win. It gave Staley an early look at two key players returning from ACL injuries and a freshman who could help address a significant question in the backcourt.
Watkins and Kitts still need time to shake off the rust, but their return gives the Gamecocks additional depth and experience. Robinson, meanwhile, showed that she could contribute as a scorer, rebounder, playmaker, and potential ball handler.
The next test arrives Nov. 2 against Maryland in Paris, where the level of competition will rise considerably.
For now, Staley has reasons to be encouraged, even as important questions remain about rotations and player development.
The Gamecocks have welcomed back two familiar faces, discovered new possibilities in a promising freshman, and taken another step toward the regular season. As South Carolina women’s basketball Ashlyn Watkins and Chloe Kitts return from ACL injuries, their progress and Robinson’s development will be important storylines to watch.
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