Ashlyn Watkins, one of the rising stars in women’s college basketball, has captivated fans with her electrifying athleticism, thunderous dunks, and defensive prowess. A pivotal player for the South Carolina Gamecocks, Watkins is celebrated for her jaw-dropping vertical leap and aggressive presence in the paint. However, recent headlines surrounding a reported arrest have shocked the sports world and raised numerous questions about her future.
In this article, we’ll break down the reported Ashlyn Watkins arrest, analyze her basketball stats, and examine her estimated net worth in 2025. Let’s explore the facts and the speculation around one of college basketball’s most exciting prospects.
Who Is Ashlyn Watkins?
Ashlyn Watkins is a standout forward who plays for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Watkins has been turning heads since her high school days. Known for her incredible leaping ability—boasting a vertical jump over 34 inches—she’s one of the few women’s players who regularly dunks in games, adding extra flair to her already explosive game.
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Full Name: Ashlyn Watkins
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Date of Birth: July 26, 2004
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Height: 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters)
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Position: Forward/Center
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College: University of South Carolina (Gamecocks)
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Class: Sophomore (as of 2024–25 season)
Ashlyn Watkins Arrested: What Happened?
Rumors and Clarification
In July 2025, rumors began circulating on social media that Ashlyn Watkins had been arrested following an altercation during a team event. While initial reports were vague, several unverified posts on X (formerly Twitter) claimed that Watkins had been taken into custody for “disorderly conduct” or “verbal threats.”
Official Statement from South Carolina Athletics
As of now, there is no official confirmation from the University of South Carolina or any law enforcement agency confirming Ashlyn Watkins’ arrest. South Carolina’s women’s basketball program released a brief statement denying any criminal conduct involving Watkins and urged the public not to engage in speculation based on unverified social media rumors.
Statement from South Carolina Athletics (July 2025):
“Contrary to online rumors, Ashlyn Watkins has not been arrested. She remains in good standing with the team and university. We urge media and fans to respect her privacy and await verified information before making assumptions.”
Online Misinformation and Virality
This situation highlights the growing issue of misinformation in sports media. A single tweet, when shared by a large following, can cause panic and confusion. It’s possible that a misunderstanding or fake news post was picked up by various accounts and reshared without fact-checking.
Career Overview and College Stats
Despite the controversy, Ashlyn Watkins continues to shine on the court. Let’s take a closer look at her stats and how she has impacted South Carolina’s dominant run in NCAA women’s basketball.
2022–23 Season (Freshman Year)
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Games Played: 33
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Points Per Game (PPG): 5.0
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Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 5.5
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Blocks Per Game (BPG): 1.3
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Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 55.1%
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Notable Highlight: First South Carolina freshman to dunk in a game.
Watkins gained immediate national attention when she dunked during a live NCAA game, showcasing a rare ability for a women’s player.
2023–24 Season (Sophomore Year)
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Games Played: 35
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Points Per Game (PPG): 8.2
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Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 6.9
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Blocks Per Game (BPG): 2.1
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Field Goal Percentage (FG%): 58.4%
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Free Throw Percentage: 67.5%
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Double-Doubles: 7
In her second year, Watkins solidified her role as a key contributor, particularly on defense and in transition play. Her vertical jump and rim protection allowed her to swat shots and dominate the boards.
Career Totals (As of 2025)
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Games Played: 68
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Total Points: 462
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Total Rebounds: 428
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Total Blocks: 113
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Career FG%: 56.7%
Ashlyn Watkins Net Worth 2025
Thanks to the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in college sports, athletes like Ashlyn Watkins can now monetize their popularity. While she has not disclosed her personal earnings publicly, industry estimates and known sponsorships give us insight into her financial standing.
Estimated Net Worth: $250,000 – $350,000 (as of 2025)
Sources of Income
1. NIL Sponsorships
Ashlyn Watkins has secured multiple local and national NIL endorsements, including:
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Apparel Deals: Partnership with athletic brands like Under Armour and local South Carolina retailers.
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Social Media Collaborations: Watkins has over 200K followers across Instagram and TikTok, making her a popular choice for product placements and lifestyle collaborations.
2. Basketball Camps and Clinics
She has also hosted youth basketball camps, charging attendance fees and receiving appearance payments.
3. Merchandise
Watkins-branded t-shirts, posters, and other merchandise are sold through South Carolina’s NIL platform, further boosting her earnings.
Social Media Presence
Watkins is also known for her confident and energetic social media presence. She frequently shares behind-the-scenes videos from games, practice sessions, and fan meetups.
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Instagram: @ashwatkins (200K+ followers)
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TikTok: @ashwatty (150K+ followers)
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Twitter (X): @ashlynwatty
Her dunk clips regularly go viral, making her one of the most recognizable names in NCAA women’s basketball.
Impact on Women’s Basketball
Ashlyn Watkins is not just another college athlete—she’s a trailblazer. Dunking in women’s games remains a rare feat, and Watkins has made it almost routine. Her presence on the court brings more eyes to the women’s game and serves as inspiration for younger athletes.
Honors and Awards
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McDonald’s All-American (2022)
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SEC All-Freshman Team (2023)
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NCAA Final Four Appearance (2023 & 2024)
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Defensive Player of the Month (SEC, multiple times)
Future Outlook
Assuming the rumors of an arrest remain untrue, Watkins is poised for a stellar junior season. She’s on track to be a first-round WNBA draft pick in 2026 and could eventually become one of the league’s most marketable stars.
Conclusion
The buzz around Ashlyn Watkins’ arrest appears to be unfounded, stemming from viral misinformation rather than facts. Meanwhile, her stats tell a story of dominance and growth, while her financial success through NIL deals reflects her marketability and influence.
Whether you’re a fan of women’s basketball, a sports enthusiast following rising talent, or simply intrigued by off-court drama, Ashlyn Watkins’ story is a compelling one—one of athletic excellence, public scrutiny, and boundless potential.
FAQs
Was Ashlyn Watkins arrested?
No. As of July 2025, there is no verified report or confirmation from authorities or the University of South Carolina regarding her arrest.
What are Ashlyn Watkins’ college basketball stats?
As of 2025, she has played 68 games with averages of 8.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 2.1 BPG in her sophomore season.
What is Ashlyn Watkins’ net worth in 2025?
Her estimated net worth is between $250,000 and $350,000, primarily earned through NIL deals and basketball-related events.
What makes Ashlyn Watkins stand out?
She is one of the few women’s players known for in-game dunks, incredible vertical athleticism, and strong defensive presence.
