Chloe Kitts Emerges as South Carolina’s Next Big Star Poised for WNBA Draft Spotlight, Following in the Footsteps of Gamecock Greatness with Versatility, Heart, and Unrelenting Drive

FROM COLUMBIA TO THE W: Chloe Kitts Emerges as South Carolina’s Next Big Star Poised for WNBA Draft Spotlight, Following in the Footsteps of Gamecock Greatness with Versatility, Heart, and Unrelenting Drive

 

As the legacy of South Carolina basketball continues to shine on both the men’s and women’s stages, another star is making her case to join the ranks of elite professional talent. Chloe Kitts, the rising forward for Dawn Staley’s powerhouse program, is being increasingly recognized as the next Gamecock poised to make the leap to the WNBA. With a potent combination of versatility, high basketball IQ, and unshakable commitment, Kitts is beginning to draw serious attention from WNBA scouts — and her journey is shaping up to be another proud chapter in South Carolina’s storied basketball tradition.

 

Following in the wake of Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and most recently Collin Murray-Boyles on the men’s side, Kitts represents the continuation of South Carolina’s national reputation for producing NBA and WNBA-ready talent. While still in the early stages of her draft trajectory, the tools, the mindset, and the upward momentum are all in place.

 

A Rising Force in Garnet and Black

 

At 6-foot-2, Kitts brings the kind of length and athleticism that coaches dream about. But it’s not just her physical tools that have scouts intrigued — it’s how she uses them. Whether stretching the floor with her jumper, crashing the boards with tenacity, or switching seamlessly on defense from guards to forwards, Kitts exemplifies the modern-day forward.

 

Her improvement over the past season was unmistakable. After a solid freshman campaign, she entered the 2024–2025 season with refined skills and a heightened sense of confidence. Averaging 12.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, Kitts showed consistency and adaptability in a loaded Gamecock roster, often stepping into a bigger role when the moment demanded it.

 

Dawn Staley, one of the most respected coaches in all of basketball, has been vocal about Kitts’ potential since day one.

 

> “Chloe is the type of player who doesn’t wait for the spotlight — she earns it,” Staley said earlier this season. “Her growth has been tremendous, but the thing that sets her apart is how coachable and hungry she is. She’s going to be a name people remember for a long time.”

 

 

 

WNBA Scouts Are Watching Closely

 

With WNBA franchises constantly searching for versatile wings and forwards who can defend, shoot, and make smart reads in motion offenses, Kitts is quickly fitting the bill. Several WNBA scouts have reportedly been tracking her development throughout the SEC season, particularly noting her positional flexibility and improved decision-making.

 

“She’s the kind of player you plug into a roster, and she contributes immediately,” one WNBA executive shared anonymously. “She has the length to protect the rim, the quickness to stay with guards, and the feel to make the right play offensively. If her shooting continues to improve, she’s a Top 10 pick.”

 

Her increasing ability to space the floor has become one of the most talked-about elements of her game. Kitts shot over 36% from three in her sophomore season, a significant leap from her rookie numbers, and proved she could knock down clutch shots under pressure.

 

The Gamecock Pedigree

 

Kitts is not just a rising star — she’s part of a legacy pipeline. South Carolina women’s basketball has become synonymous with professional excellence, sending elite players into the WNBA year after year. The culture built by Coach Staley, combined with the national spotlight the program commands, has helped elevate Kitts’ exposure — and the spotlight doesn’t seem to faze her.

 

“It’s an honor to wear this jersey, to play with and learn from the best,” Kitts said after a key win against LSU this season. “My focus is on getting better every day. If I keep doing that, everything else will take care of itself.”

 

And it’s doing just that.

 

More Than Just a Player

 

Beyond her on-court abilities, Kitts is praised for her maturity, leadership, and commitment to the program. She’s frequently seen mentoring younger teammates, taking extra reps after practice, and representing South Carolina at community events. That kind of character — paired with elite talent — makes her even more attractive to professional teams.

 

“She’s the total package,” said former Gamecock and current WNBA star A’ja Wilson. “She plays hard, she cares, and she has that Gamecock grit. I see big things in her future.”

 

Looking Toward the Draft

 

Whether Kitts declares after this season or decides to develop further under Staley’s watchful eye, one thing is clear: her path is heading straight toward the WNBA. She’s got the game, the growth curve, and the backing of one of the most respected programs in college basketball.

 

As teams across the WNBA continue to search for that perfect combination of talent, toughness, and team-first mentality, Chloe Kitts’ name is going to keep rising — and when her time comes, don’t be surprised if she becomes the next South Carolina star to take the pros by storm.