Dawn Staley makes her feelings known after losing Ashlyn Watkins to season ending injury

Dawn Staley and the South Carolina women's basketball team took a big hit when it was announced that Ashlyn Watkins will be out for the remainder of the 2024-25 season due to a torn ACL. The coach made her thoughts known on the loss of one of her key players.

In a scheduled appearance on the "Carolina Calls" coaches show with host Brad Muller, Staley gave her evaluation on Watkins' season-ending injury.

"I know her sisters will rally around her injury and know she will be sorely missed. I know (Watkins) will want us to go on and compete and try to win another national championship," Staley said, per Greenville News.

"She's an impact player on both sides of the ball. She's a shot blocker, she deters shots, she can play in the paint, on the perimeter defensively and offensively I think she was just coming into her own. I thought she was blossoming the right way."

What's next for Dawn Staley, Gamecocks after Ashlyn Watkins' injury

Dawn Staley and the No. 2 Gamecocks have dominated throughout their first 15 games of the season, but losing Ashlyn Watkins has them taking a hit.

Watkins showcased herself as an active rebounder while providing some scoring off the bench. She averaged 7.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks on 51.2% shooting from the field in 14 appearances.

Staley reaffirmed her confidence in the rest of the team stepping up in the light of Watkins' absence on the radio show. Sakima Walker, Adhel Tac and Maryam Dauda are the specific players she named who are capable of receiving more playing time following the news.

"I have no doubt that they'll step up. I have no doubt that everyone will step and give a little bit more (with) the void that Ashlyn leaves," she said.

South Carolina boasts of a 14-1 record after 15 games, averaging 82.5 points on 46.9% shooting from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc. Their defense only allows 55.3 points from their opponents, giving the team a dominant winning margin of 27.2 points per game.

Dawn Staley and the No. 2 Gamecocks will play their first game after Watkins' injury against Texas A&M at the Colonial Life Arena on Thursday at 5 p.m. ET.