Gamecocks fans erupt for Ashlyn Watkins as South Carolina star makes season debut after suspension

South Carolina Gamecocks fans erupted for Ashlyn Watkins as she made her return from suspension to play against NC State in her season debut Sunday.

The 21-year-old appeared off the bench and was on the receiving end of loud cheers from the South Carolina fans present inside the Spectrum Center in Charlotte.

A freelance creator posted a video of Ashlyn Watkins' loud reception during the game versus NC State. She appears to be checking in for the Gamecocks for the first time this season as the fans erupted. It can be seen below:

"Ashlyn Watkins checks in for the first time this season to loud cheers from SC fans," a fan wrote on X.

Earlier on Friday, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley confirmed Watkins' participation versus NC State to the media.

""If she’s out here, she’s gonna play, right?" Staley said.

Watkins was arrested last summer and was suspended by South Carolina after being charged with alleged assault and kidnapping. However, those charges were later dismissed on November 1, which later led to her suspension being lifted by South Carolina.

Ashlyn Watkins made her season debut to loud cheers from South Carolina fans

The talented forward rejoined Staley's team and made her first appearance this Sunday as the South Carolina fans welcomed her back with loud cheers. Watkins didn't disappoint as she scored four points and grabbed five rebounds, which helped the Gamecocks secure a 39-30 lead at the half.

The South Carolina sensation served as a useful role player in Staley's roster last season. Watkins averaged 10.6 minutes of game time and managed to drop 4.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.8 blocks and 0.7 steals per game for the Gamecocks in the 2023-24 NCAA campaign.

However, she was guilty of committing 0.9 turnovers every game for South Carolina. Moreover, the gifted hooper's three-point shooting percentage (33.3%) left a lot to be desired.

Staley will expect Watkins to play a more prominent role for her team this season. With the South Carolina fans giving her a warm reception, the forward should be motivated to do well for the Gamecocks following a difficult period in her life.

South Carolina basketball will face off against Coppin State and East Carolina over the next two games. Only time will tell whether Ashlyn Watkins can make some necessary adjustments to her game so that she can be a future star in the WNBA.