Dawn Staley updates South Carolina women’s basketball Star arrest, suspension

South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley addressed the arrest of junior forward Ashlyn Watkins for the first time Tuesday.

“Status is still the same, nothing’s moved yet and we’re not going to move until her situation settles down a little bit,” Staley said Tuesday, during the first media availability for the 2024-25 season. “It’s out of her control, out of our control.”

Watkins, 20, was arrested on Aug. 31, on charges of first-degree assault and battery and kidnapping. A spokesperson for the team confirmed on Sept. 5 that Watkins was suspended from all team activities. She is scheduled to make a court appearance on Oct. 25.

When asked how Watkins is holding up, Staley said she’s doing great.

The Gamecocks begin their season with two exhibition games, before the season opener Nov. 4 in Las Vegas against Michigan. South Carolina will travel to Memphis for an exhibition game on Oct. 15 (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+) and host Clayton State in an exhibition game on Oct. 28. Game time has not been announced.

Without Watkins, the forward options include Chloe Kitts, Adhel Tac, Sania Feagin, freshman Joyce Edwards, and transfer Maryam Dauda. South Carolina has just one true center, Sakima Walker.