Charges dismissed against South Carolina women's basketball star
Per Richland County court records, South Carolina women’s basketball star Ashlyn Watkins has had charges stemming from her August arrest dismissed. In fact, her entire case (first-degree assault and battery and kidnapping) is dismissed. About two weeks ago, the court delayed her in-person hearing.
Lulu Kesin of the Greenville News first reported the news from the court records.
USC police arrested Watkins following an altercation outside of an on-campus dorm. Reporting since the event has been inconsistent, but now, at least from a criminal perspective, the incident is behind her.
Suspended since the arrest, Watkins does not have an announced timeline regarding her return.
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Prior to her arrest, the junior forward was viewed as a starter for the 2024-2025 version of the South Carolina women’s basketball squad. She had been a primary reserve during the past two seasons but with Kamilla Cardoso’s move to the WNBA, Watkins seemed to be “up next” in a long line of talented Gamecock post players.
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley has spoken limitedly on Watkins’ status. However, in September she used the word “when” not “if” when asked about Watkins, indicating a return was inevitable.
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Last year, the Columbia native was an All-SEC performer despite coming off the bench. She averaged 9.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 assists on the season. Watkins led the team in blocked shots, posting the 3rd-highest total in program history. She also posted a 20-rebound performance in the Gamecocks’ Final Four victory over NC State.
Likely still without Watkins, South Carolina will play again on Sunday. The Gamecocks will take part in a Final Four rematch against NC State in Charlotte as part of the Ally Tipoff. USC-NCSU will tip at 3:00 p.m. on ESPN and the ESPN app.
