“A disservice to every girl playing basketball”: College hoops fans debate over A’ja Wilson’s opinion after Ashlyn Watkins’ dunk vs TCU

South Carolina's Ashlyn Watkins wowed fans when she threw down a one-handed dunk in the Gamecocks' 85-52 win against No. 9 TCU on Sunday. She also got people talking about the debate of lowering the rims in women's basketball.

On Monday, the espnW Instagram page posted a comment made by Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson last month about lowering rims in the WNBA. Wilson strongly disapproved of the idea that it could help bring more viewers.

"What is lowering the rim going to do? ... lowering it an inch, that could change all of our shots," Wilson said on Nov. 21.

Fans were quick to respond to Wilson's take after Ashlyn Watkins' dunk, with many agreeing as they see it as detrimental to the progress of having women's basketball be more accessible to those who play the sport. Here are some of their reactions.

"Lowering the rim does a disservice to every girl playing basketball in the country when they no longer have easy access to public regulation height," one fan said.

Fan commenting on A'ja Wilson's take via Instagram. (Instagram)

"The debate is what can it do for the business of women's basketball vs the sport of women's basketball," one fan commented.

Fan commenting on A'ja Wilson's take via Instagram. (Instagram)

"Imagine blaming things on rim height or playing style when we know wnba struggles have come from incompetent marketing for the last 20+ years," a fan stated.

Fan commenting on A'ja Wilson's take via Instagram

Other fans pointed out the ball being smaller in the women's game, seeing it as a legitimate reason to lower the rim while some believe it should not ever be changed.

"Nobody has a problem with the ball being smaller do they?? So why is there a problem with the height of the rim being lower???" one fan questioned.

Fan commenting on A'ja Wilson's take via Instagram. (Instagram)

"She's right tho. They're used to playing on that height. If they lower them, people are going to ask why they're missing so many shots. The reason? They lowered em," a fan said.

Fan commenting on A'ja Wilson's take via Instagram. (Instagram)

"Lowering the rim has to be the most man thing ever. No don't lower the rim," a fan remarked.

Fan commenting on A'ja Wilson's take via Instagram. (Instagram)

Dawn Staley reacts to Ashlyn Watkins' dunk against TCU

After the game, South Carolina coach Dawn Staley shared that Ashlyn Watkins was also trying to dunk during shootaround. She then gave her take on Watkins' dunk.

“The place exploded, our bench exploded,” Staley said per the AP. “And I think it’s great for our game.”

Ashlyn Watkins had a solid showing in 23 minutes of action for No. 3 South Carolina against No. 9 TCU.

She finished with six points, two rebounds, and an assist on 3-of-8 shooting from the field. Her one-handed dunk was a notable highlight amid a dominant team performance by the Gamecocks.

She is currently averaging 7.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and an assist per game after nine appearances this season.

With the win, Ashlyn Watkins and No. 3 South Carolina improved to 9-1 on the season. They will host South Florida at the Colonial Life Arena on Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. ET.