“Tough on and off court year for her”: College hoops fans sympathise with South Carolina’s Ashlyn Watkins after ACL injury

South Carolina's Ashlyn Watkins is out for the season after a season-ending ACL injury against Mississippi State on Saturday. It is the second setback for the defensive forward this season. In August, Watkins was accused of first-degree assault and kidnapping, resulting in a suspension from the Gamecocks roster.

Watkins missed the early part of USC's season and the team's visit to the White House as the 2024 NCAA champions. She was cleared to play after the Gamecocks nearly gave away a 38-game winning streak against Michigan (68-62) in its season opener.

College hoops fans reacted to Ashlyn Watkins' injury on social media, sympathizing with the homegrown star:

"She is having a rough year…prayers to her! ❤️," a fan wrote.

"Tough on and off court year for her. I hope she heals smoothly, properly and swiftly 🙏🏽," another fan commented.

"Damnnnnnn she just got back to the team 😟🙏🏾," another fan wrote.

More fans joined in to wish the best to the forward:

"So sad to hear this. Hoping for a speedy recovery! She’s been such a joy to watch this season," a fan commented.

"That sucks! Hopefully she gets a red shirt ❤️‍🩹," another fan wrote.

"Oh my, she was a game changer," another fan commented.

Fans react to Ashlyn Watkins' injury update

Dawn Staley on Ashlyn Watkins' injury

The junior forward suffered the injury early in the second quarter as she drove to the rack and landed awkwardly. She was assisted off the floor as she clutched her knee in pain.

Dawn Staley addressed Ashlyn Watkins' injury after the game. While she expressed that she felt for the defensive forward, she also commended the remaining cast for staying strong throughout the contest.

"I think, psychologically, for our players, they took it to another level," Dawn Staley said (1:00). "We didn’t say anything and we try not to, we try to just keep things moving. Obviously, we feel for Ashlyn, her injury, and her not being able to finish the game. But the teammates have her back, and they did take it to another level on both ends of the floor."

The Gamecocks trailed by nine points at the time of Watkins' injury. Nevertheless, South Carolina posted a 42-34 lead at the break to win the contest 95-68.