South Carolina Gamecocks’ Rising Star Ashlyn Watkins Makes History by Claiming the Coveted 2025 Oscar Robertson Trophy, Honoring Her As the Nation’s Top Collegiate Basketball Player.

In a moment that will be remembered for years to come, Ashlyn Watkins, the breakout star of the South Carolina Gamecocks, has claimed the prestigious 2025 Oscar Robertson Trophy, solidifying her status as the nation’s top collegiate basketball player. The announcement was met with excitement from Gamecocks fans, college basketball enthusiasts, and sports media outlets across the country. For Watkins, this honor is the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and a relentless commitment to excellence.

Watkins, who has quickly ascended to the top of the collegiate basketball scene, is the first player in South Carolina’s storied program history to win the Oscar Robertson Trophy. The award, which has been presented annually since 1959, is named after the legendary Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, who is often regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Given its prestigious nature and the level of talent that has won it in the past, claiming this trophy is a monumental achievement in Watkins’ already impressive career.

A Historic Season for Ashlyn Watkins

Ashlyn Watkins’ path to the Oscar Robertson Trophy has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 6-foot-3 forward from Columbia, South Carolina, has had an incredible season, leading the Gamecocks to numerous victories and a dominant position in the NCAA rankings. Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor—scoring, rebounding, and defending—has been unmatched, and she has played a pivotal role in South Carolina’s success.

During the 2024-25 season, Watkins averaged 23.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game, all while shooting an efficient 55 percent from the field. Her scoring prowess and versatility have made her a matchup nightmare for opponents. Whether it’s finishing around the rim, stretching the floor with a reliable mid-range game, or defending the paint with authority, Watkins has proven that she can do it all.

But it’s not just her stats that make her deserving of the Oscar Robertson Trophy—it’s the way she has elevated the Gamecocks to new heights. Under her leadership, South Carolina has gone on to claim the top spot in the NCAA rankings and has dominated the competition in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Her ability to perform under pressure and in big moments has made her a player to watch on the national stage.

Watkins has also shown remarkable growth as a leader, consistently leading by example on the court and earning the respect of her teammates. She has been described by coaches and teammates as the ultimate competitor—someone who pushes herself and others to reach their full potential. This leadership has been a key factor in the Gamecocks’ success and in securing Watkins the coveted individual accolades she has received.

The Path to Greatness

Ashlyn Watkins’ journey to the top of women’s basketball is one that began long before her time at South Carolina. Growing up in Columbia, she was always surrounded by basketball. Her father, a former college basketball player, instilled in her a love for the game at a young age, and by the time she was in high school, she had already begun to turn heads as a highly-touted prospect.

Watkins played for the A.C. Flora High School team in Columbia, where she quickly established herself as one of the top players in the state. Her dominant performances on the court earned her numerous accolades, including South Carolina’s 5A Player of the Year honors and recognition as a McDonald’s All-American. Despite the attention she was receiving from college programs across the country, Watkins remained focused on improving her game and continuing to push herself to be the best player she could be.

Her decision to stay close to home and commit to South Carolina was one that would change the trajectory of her career. The Gamecocks, led by head coach Dawn Staley, have long been known as a powerhouse in women’s basketball, and the opportunity to play for one of the top programs in the nation was an exciting prospect for Watkins. Under Staley’s tutelage, Watkins would have the chance to refine her skills, compete at the highest level, and help lead South Carolina to a championship.

Watkins wasted no time making an impact on the court for the Gamecocks. As a freshman, she showcased her immense potential, averaging 12 points and 7 rebounds per game. But it wasn’t just her scoring ability that caught the eye of coaches and scouts—it was her basketball IQ, her tenacity on defense, and her ability to make her teammates better. By the end of her sophomore season, Watkins was firmly entrenched as one of the top players in the SEC and was quickly making a name for herself on the national stage.

The 2025 Oscar Robertson Trophy

Watkins’ performances during the 2024-25 season were nothing short of spectacular. Her ability to take over games and lead South Carolina to victory in crucial moments was a major reason why the Gamecocks finished the regular season as one of the top teams in the nation. The Oscar Robertson Trophy, which is awarded to the best college basketball player in the country, was a fitting recognition of her talent and hard work.

Named after the legendary Oscar Robertson, the trophy has been awarded annually by the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) since 1959. Previous winners of the prestigious award include some of the greatest players in basketball history, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Tim Duncan. As the first South Carolina player to claim the award, Watkins joins an elite list of basketball legends and further cements her legacy in the sport.

Her victory is also significant for South Carolina’s women’s basketball program, which has quickly become one of the premier programs in the country under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley. Staley, who has built South Carolina into a perennial national contender, has had a profound impact on Watkins’ development, helping her transform from a talented but raw prospect into one of the best players in college basketball.

The Future for Ashlyn Watkins

As Ashlyn Watkins holds the 2025 Oscar Robertson Trophy in her hands, the future looks incredibly bright for the young star. With her combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ, Watkins has the potential to be a dominant force in the WNBA, should she choose to pursue that path. Her exceptional performance during her college career has solidified her as a top prospect, and it’s likely that we will see her play at the professional level in the near future.

But for now, Watkins is focused on continuing to build on her success at South Carolina. She has already accomplished so much in her short time with the Gamecocks, and her determination to win a national championship is evident. South Carolina, with Watkins leading the way, remains a formidable contender for the NCAA title, and the Gamecocks will undoubtedly be one of the teams to beat in the upcoming postseason.

In the coming years, Watkins’ influence will continue to grow both on and off the court. As one of the faces of women’s basketball, she will continue to inspire the next generation of players and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport. Her dedication to excellence, leadership, and commitment to improving her game makes her a player to watch for years to come.