“Sending prayers for Ashlyn Watkins”: South Carolina fans anxious after 6-3 forward suffers injury

Fans expressed their concern for Gamecocks forward Ashlyn Watkins after the South Carolina forward left a 95-68 win at Mississippi State in the second quarter on Sunday. Watkins, a junior forward who comes off the bench, was going for a layup and appeared to injure her left leg.

"We need her. Please let her be ok!" one fan wrote.

"Sending prayers for Ashlyn ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻" another commented.

"Hoping her injury can heal quickly and successfully! We just aren't the same without her, but her health comes first! 🙏🏻" another wrote.

Screenshots via X

"Swatkins, praying for great health! Be blessed!" one fan commented.

"Thanks for the update, but that sounds pretty serious/ominous. Prayers ascending for her complete recovery and healing! 🙏" another wrote.

"Love you Ashlyn!!! We know you'll be back in no time," another fan commented.

Screenshots via X

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said in her postgame news conference that she did not have an update on Watkins. She also said that Watkins stayed at the arena for treatment and didn’t require a hospital visit or outside medical attention.

Ashlyn Watkins injury concerns for South Carolina

After the game, Ashlyn Watkins’ father, Vancito Watkins, shared an update on social media, saying his daughter would be "fine."

After texting with her, he said that she "just tweaked her knee a little bit." While this isn’t a medical diagnosis or a timeline, the update offers hope that Watkins’ injury isn’t serious.

When Watkins got injured, the No. 2 Gamecocks were trailing 24-15. She didn’t return to the bench for the second half, and South Carolina later announced on X, formerly Twitter, that she would not return for the rest of the game.

Watkins is a key player off South Carolina's bench, averaging 7.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. She plays behind Chloe Kitts and Sania Feagin, with Adhel Tac and Maryam Dauda as backups.

Whether or not Ashlyn Watkins plays, the Gamecocks will be back on the floor on Thursday, when they host Texas A&M (8-6, 1-1).