South Carolina basketball fans have witnessed tremendous growth from Ashlyn Watkins this season. The sophomore forward has been a force on defense (leading the SEC in blocks per game), but she has also become a more consistent offensive player who is a double-double threat most nights despite playing off the bench.
The Columbia native is among the most athletic players in the entire country. At 6'3" with a plus-wingspan, Watkins is physically imposing. However, the biggest display of her athleticism was seen last year when she had the first dunk in South Carolina basketball history against the rival Clemson Tigers.
Watkins, who had previously won the McDonald's All-American Game Dunk Contest, makes the crowd jump to their feet every time she has space on a fast break. Unfortunately, their hopeful anticipation has not been met with fulfillment. A few near dunks and many layups have come, instead, but that changed on Monday.
Those who made it out to Colonial Life Arena or who tuned in to watch South Carolina basketball take on the Kentucky Wildcats on Monday were sure glad they did as Watkins threw it down against the SEC rivals.
Ashlyn Watkins with the dunk. pic.twitter.com/PrOdSLLgQZ
— Chris Dearing (@CDearing82) January 16, 2024
For the second time in her Gamecock career, Ashlyn Watkins completed a clean dunk. She is still the only player in program history to do so, but that could change as freshman guard MiLaysia Fulwiley is also capable of dunking in the right situation.
Watkins and the Gamecocks were able to follow up her above-the-rim effort with solid play on the floor, more than doubling up the Wildcats in the first half. The game is currently still at the halftime break, and Dawn Staley's team is leading 46-21. Kamilla Cardoso is on triple-double watch as she already has 8 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks in just 15 minutes of play.