30 Facts About Ashlyn Watkins

Ashlyn Watkins: The Rising Star of South Carolina Women's Basketball

Ashlyn Watkins has quickly become a standout player for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Her journey from high school phenom to college basketball star is filled with impressive achievements and milestones.

1. Height and Position: Ashlyn Watkins stands tall at 6 feet 3 inches and plays as a forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks. Her height and position make her a formidable presence on the court.

2. Class and Hometown: As a junior, Watkins represents her hometown of Columbia, South Carolina, bringing pride to her local community.

3. High School: She attended Cardinal Newman High School, where she not only excelled in basketball but also showcased her athleticism in volleyball.

4. High School Achievements: In her senior year, Watkins averaged 20.5 points, 15.5 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, demonstrating her dominance in multiple aspects of the game.

5. High School Records: She holds the record for most points (1,740) and rebounds (1,341) in Cardinal Newman High School history, along with 366 blocked shots.

6. High School State Championships: Watkins led her team to four consecutive SCISA Class 3A state championships, a testament to her leadership and skill.

7. McDonald’s All-American: In 2022, she was named a McDonald’s All-American and won the event’s dunk contest, highlighting her impressive skills and athleticism.

8. South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year: Watkins was awarded the South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year in 2022, recognizing her outstanding performance in high school basketball.

Transition to College Basketball

Watkins made a seamless transition from high school to college basketball, quickly making her mark with the South Carolina Gamecocks.

9. College Debut: She made her college debut on November 8, 2022, against East Tennessee State, scoring 11 points and grabbing 8 rebounds.

10. Freshman Year Statistics: In her freshman year, Watkins averaged 4.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game in just 10.6 minutes of play per game.

11. Team Achievements: Her freshman year was marked by significant team achievements, including a program-record 36 wins, a perfect 16-0 slate in SEC action, seven wins over ranked opponents, an SEC Tournament title, and a spot in the NCAA Final Four for the third consecutive season.

12. Individual Records: Watkins helped set program records for points scored, rebounds, and rebounding margin, as well as an NCAA record for blocked shots per game during her freshman year.

13. Double-Doubles: She recorded her first career double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds against Cal Poly on November 22, 2022.

14. SEC Games: Watkins played in 14 SEC games, scoring in double figures seven times, including two SEC games where she had significant contributions.

15. NCAA Tournament Debut: She made her NCAA Tournament debut against Norfolk State on March 17, 2023, contributing with a team-high three blocks.

Impactful Performances and Career Highlights

Watkins has had several standout performances that have solidified her reputation as a key player for the Gamecocks.

16. Impactful Games: Watkins had several impactful games throughout her freshman year, including a game against Florida where she scored nine of her 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, earning her second career double-double in just 16 minutes of play.

17. Efficient Play: She demonstrated aggressive and efficient play against Kentucky, contributing four of the team’s first six points in the second quarter.

18. Career High Minutes: Watkins set a new career high in minutes played with 26 against Missouri on January 15, 2023, where she picked up 10 of her 13 points in the second half.

19. Career Day Against Coastal Carolina: She had a career day against Coastal Carolina on December 21, 2022, tallying 16 points with half coming in the second quarter, including her own 6-2 run to put the Gamecocks up by 30 points. She also added three blocks and three assists in the game.

Sophomore Year and Beyond

Watkins continued to build on her freshman success, taking on a more significant role in her sophomore year.

20. Sophomore Year Statistics: In her sophomore year, Watkins averaged 9.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. She started 10 of 38 games played by the Gamecocks during the 2023-24 season.

21. Kamilla Cardoso’s Absence: With Kamilla Cardoso absent, Watkins took on a more significant role, starting 10 games and contributing significantly to the team’s success.

22. Arrest and Charges: On August 31, 2024, Ashlyn Watkins was arrested on charges of assault and battery, as well as kidnapping. She was granted a personal recognizance bond set at $30,000 and is required to maintain a distance of 1,000 feet from the victim’s residence, workplace, educational institution, and place of worship.

23. Court Appearance: Her court appearance is scheduled for October 25, 2024. The warrant from the University of South Carolina Police Department detailed that Watkins allegedly assaulted the victim by forcefully grabbing her face, pulling her arms, and pushing her. The victim managed to escape and activated a fire alarm, prompting police and fire responders.

Team Achievements and Personal Milestones

Despite personal challenges, Watkins has continued to contribute to her team's success and achieve personal milestones.

24. Team’s Perfect Season: Watkins was part of the Gamecocks’ perfect season in the 2023-24 season, which included a 38-0 record and marked the first undefeated champions since 2016.

25. NCAA DI Championship: The Gamecocks won the NCAA DI championship with Watkins contributing significantly to their success. Her role in the team’s championship win further solidified her position as a key player.

26. Blocked Shots: Watkins topped the team with 91 blocked shots during the last season, showcasing her defensive prowess.

27. Historic Dunk: She made history as the first player in the program to complete a dunk during a game in her freshman year, later adding another during the previous season.

28. Athleticism and Skills: Watkins’s athleticism and skills on the court have earned her recognition as a standout player. Her ability to dunk and contribute significantly in multiple facets of the game has made her a fan favorite.

29. Impact on the Team: Watkins’s presence on the court has been instrumental in the Gamecocks’ success. Her ability to score, rebound, and block shots has made her a crucial component of the team’s strategy.

30. Future Prospects: As Watkins continues her collegiate career, her future prospects look bright. With her impressive statistics and contributions to the team, she is expected to play a significant role in the Gamecocks’ future success, both on and off the court.

Ashlyn Watkins: A Bright Future Ahead

Ashlyn Watkins has already made a name for herself in college basketball. Standing tall at 6 feet 3 inches, this forward from Columbia, South Carolina, has shown incredible talent and determination. From her high school days at Cardinal Newman to her impressive performances with the South Carolina Gamecocks, Watkins has consistently proven her skills. She’s not just a player; she’s a record-setter, a McDonald’s All-American, and a key contributor to her team’s success. Despite facing challenges, including recent legal issues, her future in basketball looks promising. With her athleticism, ability to dunk, and defensive prowess, Watkins is set to continue making headlines. Fans and coaches alike are eager to see what she’ll achieve next. Keep an eye on Ashlyn Watkins – she’s a rising star with a bright future in the world of basketball.