Dawn Staley gives injury update on South Carolina freshman Maddy McDaniel

Freshman point guard Maddy McDaniel will miss South Carolina women’s basketball’s Tuesday night exhibition game at Memphis, coach Dawn Staley said Monday.

McDaniel had surgery to remove scar tissue in her knee earlier this month, a source familiar with the situation told The State, and should be able to return to practice in two to three weeks. She was using crutches and wearing a sleeve over her right knee in a recent photo posted by the team. She had neither with her during the open portion of South Carolina’s practice Monday.

Staley said McDaniel will “be ready to rock and roll, hopefully, by the time we play Clayton State.” The Gamecocks hosts the Lakers at home on Oct. 28 for the second and final exhibition of the preseason. USC’s season opener is Nov. 4 versus Michigan in Las Vegas.

McDaniel, the No. 12 overall recruit in the class of 2024, suffered two major knee injuries during her high school career.

As a freshman at Bishop McNamara in Maryland, McDaniel tore her ACL. She had surgery in 2021 and spent 10 months away from the court for physical therapy. McDaniel then tore her meniscus earlier this year during the Mustangs’ regular-season finale. She had surgery Feb. 26 and was unable to participate in the McDonald’s All-American Game or the Jordan Brand Classic.

South Carolina will likely be down two players (meaning 11 Gamecocks will be available) when the regular season begins Nov. 4.

Junior forward Ashlyn Watkins has been suspended from team activities since her Aug. 31 arrest on charges of assault and kidnapping.

Staley said Watkins’ suspension was still in place when practice for the 2024-25 season began late last month, adding that “We’re not gonna move until her situation’s settled down a little bit. It’s out of her control. It’s out of our control.”

Staley did not otherwise provide a potential timeline for Watkins’ return.

Next South Carolina women’s basketball game

Who: South Carolina vs. Memphis

When: Tuesday, 9:30 p.m.

Where: FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.

Streaming: ESPN+ (log-in required)