Dawn Staley is still tinkering with her lineup, trying to figure out the best combinations for her South Carolina Gamecocks. After leading the team to win the NCAA title three times, the head coach demands perfection and nothing else. Hence, she’s not afraid to call out her players—win or lose—if something isn’t up to her standards. 

Even after a dominant 95-44 win over East Carolina, Staley didn’t hold back about her team’s lackluster energy. “I was falling asleep with that first group,” she quipped after the game when asked why she made a full line change in the third quarter and then flipped it back.

While most would be celebrating such a convincing win, the Gamecocks HC was all about keeping her players accountable. “The energy wasn’t there, the effort wasn’t there,” she added. “Sometimes you’ve got to change the energy in the building.” 

True to her word, Staley did something you don’t see often in basketball—a full five-player substitution, hockey-style. The Gamecocks asserted dominance, opening with a 13-0 lead. Chloe Kitts led the charge with 14 points and seven rebounds, while MiLaysia Fulwiley and freshman Joyce Edwards added 12 points each, coming off the bench.

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But the real buzz came in the third quarter when the coach swapped out the entire starting lineup to inject some life into her team. Sure, the numbers looked great—South Carolina had five players in double figures and outshot East Carolina by a wide margin.

But stats aside, the coach was laser-focused on the intangibles. “They were controlling the tempo, and we just played the same way,” she noted during the postgame conference. “Sometimes you’ve got to put it on the floor and go beat it.”

Ashlyn Watkins, who came off the bench in the first quarter, had an energizing performance. Her quick inside baskets helped set the tone early and showed her potential. Hence, it’s safe to say that amid all the experimentation and critique, her return is one silver lining.

Ashlyn Watkins’ return after controversial legal battle

This time, Watkins is back with something to prove. Her return comes after a months-long suspension stemming from some serious legal charges. Back in August, the hooper was arrested on allegations of a-sault, ba-tery, and k-dnapping. According to reports, she allegedly “forcefully grabbed” a victim and carried them against their will.

The university didn’t take it lightly, suspending Watkins from all team activities. She missed moments like the White House visit for their national title win. But on November 1, things changed. The charges were dismissed, and the Gamecocks wasted no time reinstating her.

“With the dismissal of the legal charges, South Carolina junior forward Ashlyn Watkins has returned to team activities beginning with practice today,” the school announced. Although the road isn’t easy, Dawn Staley has her back. “Ashlyn will be who she is,” the coach said recently.

“She’s created some really good habits.” And for anyone doubting Watkins’ ability to handle the pressure, Staley had this to say: “She has a solid support system…and if things get out of hand, I’m gonna take it up for her.” The 21-year-old has already stepped up in the second game. While the Gamecocks continue to find their footing, she might lead the team going forward.