$12 million worth Dawn Staley explains why Ashlyn Watkins’ dunk vs TCU “surprised” her

Dawn Staley has seen many things in her illustrious coaching career but was surprised by what Ashlyn Watkins achieved against the TCU Horned Frogs on Sunday.

Staley, who is worth $12 million (according to CelebrityNetWorth) talked about Watkins' dunk in a chat with reporters on Friday ahead of the No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks' weekend showdown against the South Florida Bulls.

South Carolina Gamecocks forward Ashlyn Watkins (2) dunks the ball against TCU Horned Frogs center Sedona Prince (13) during the first half at Dickies Arena. Photo: Imagn

Watkins sent her South Carolina teammates and coaches into a frenzy when she threw down a powerful one-handed dunk in the first half against TCU. Watkins stole the ball from Madison Conner past the half-court line before racing to the other end of the floor for a jam in the opening quarter.

Watkins didn't mind the trailing Sedona Prince, elevating past the TCU center before rocking the rim with a right-handed finish. Staley gave a thoughtful response to a question comparing Watkins' dunk against the Horned Frogs to her previous two slams with the Gamecocks.

"That one surprised me. You could almost see the other ones coming. I knew once she went to her runway, her left side, that’s her runway. I still didn’t think she was going to do it because Prince was in pursuit," Staley said. "Pretty impressive. I think she got a little nudge in the back too. I watched it a couple of times, but it was pretty impressive." (Timestamp 4:01)

What Staley liked the most about Watkins' dunk was her strong mindset in the lead-up to that play.

"She said she made her mind up to do it and I’m going to hold her to that. When she makes her mind up to do something, she gets it done. So I’m going to hold her to make her mind up and keep playing consistently. Play mad, play hungry because it works for her," Staley said.

Ashlyn Watkins' dunk gives Dawn Staley's South Carolina a jolt in win vs TCU

Ashlyn Watkins' game-changing play happened with 1:18 remaining in the first quarter. She soared for her third career dunk to give South Carolina an 18-11 lead. Dawn Staley's team didn't look back after that, building a 44-23 advantage at the halftime break before cruising to an 85-52 victory over TCU.

TCU Horned Frogs guard Hailey Van Lith (10) has her shot blocked by South Carolina Gamecocks forward Ashlyn Watkins (2) during the second half at Dickies Arena. Photo: Imagn

With the win, the Gamecocks improved their overall record this season to 9-1. They have won four straight games since losing to the UCLA Bruins, who are now the top-ranked team in the nation.