South Carolina opened its 2026-27 season with a 101-93 victory over No. 20 Maryland in Paris, but the result was not the only important development from the game. The return of Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins after lengthy absences gave Dawn Staley two experienced frontcourt players back in her rotation. However, their performances also raised questions about how quickly they can return to their previous level of influence.
Both players have worked through significant ACL injuries, and their availability represents an important development for a South Carolina team with national championship ambitions. Still, their first competitive appearance offered a reminder that returning to the court and becoming an influential contributor are two different stages of recovery.
Kitts started the game and played 19 minutes. She finished with eight points, seven rebounds, five assists and one block, shooting 2-of-5 from the field.
Her five assists were particularly encouraging. Kitts demonstrated that she can contribute beyond scoring, and her ability to facilitate the offense gives South Carolina another dimension in the frontcourt. She also collected seven rebounds, providing useful support around the basket.
However, the offensive production was relatively modest. South Carolina will eventually need more consistent scoring from Kitts, particularly against opponents capable of challenging its interior players. Her first game back should not be treated as a measure of her ceiling, but there is still work ahead before she can consistently influence games at the level expected of her.
Watkins offered a different contribution.
Coming off the bench, she played 26 minutes and recorded seven points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Although her scoring was limited, her defensive activity was one of the more encouraging aspects of her return.
Her 10 rebounds led South Carolina, while the two steals and two blocks demonstrated the defensive presence that made her such an important player before her injury.
Nevertheless, the offensive side of her game remains an area to monitor. Watkins converted three of her five field-goal attempts, but her seven points indicate that South Carolina still needs more consistent offensive involvement from her.
There is also an important distinction between the two performances. Kitts showed considerable playmaking ability, while Watkins immediately contributed through rebounding and defensive activity. Their skill sets complement each other, and that combination could become valuable as the season progresses.
Dawn Staley Has More Options, but the Expectations Remain High
South Carolina’s victory over Maryland demonstrated the team’s offensive potential.
Joyce Edwards led the Gamecocks with 23 points, while Agot Makeer added 20 in an impressive performance. Tessa Johnson and Jerzy Robinson contributed 15 points apiece, and Jordan Lee finished with 13.
Five South Carolina players reached double figures, which illustrates the team’s scoring depth.
However, Maryland exposed some defensive concerns after recovering from a 31-point deficit to make the game considerably closer. The Terrapins scored 34 points in the fourth quarter and eventually reduced the margin to six.
That comeback also demonstrated why South Carolina will need contributions from every part of its rotation. The team cannot expect its perimeter players and younger contributors to shoulder the entire offensive responsibility throughout a demanding season.
Kitts and Watkins bring experience that could become increasingly important against stronger opponents. Their rebounding, interior defense and ability to create opportunities around the basket give Staley additional options that were unavailable during their absences.
Their return also provides South Carolina with greater frontcourt depth, an important consideration for a team that expects to compete deep into March.
The First Game Should Not Define Their Seasons
There is little reason to judge either player too harshly based on one appearance after such lengthy injury absences.
Kitts and Watkins were not expected to return immediately as the dominant players they were before their injuries. Competitive rhythm, confidence and conditioning require time, particularly after ACL rehabilitation.
Their performances against Maryland contained encouraging signs. Kitts demonstrated her passing ability, while Watkins immediately established herself as a valuable presence on the boards and defensively.
Those contributions matter.
However, South Carolina will eventually need both players to offer more consistent production, particularly when the competition becomes tougher and the margin for error becomes smaller.
The most important development from the Maryland game is that Staley now has two experienced players back in the rotation. What happens over the next several weeks will determine how much their return changes the team’s overall ceiling.
South Carolina secured its opening victory, but the bigger opportunity is still ahead. If Kitts and Watkins gradually regain their previous effectiveness, the Gamecocks could become considerably more difficult to defend.
For now, their return is encouraging. Their next step is turning that availability into consistent performances.
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