South Carolina junior forward Ashlyn Watkins returned to practice this week. Now the question is when she will return to game action. Watkins was all smiles during the portion of practice the media saw on Friday.

Here is what South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley said about junior forward Ashlyn Watkins returning to practice after her suspension

It was the first time Staley addressed Watkins' return since Watkins was reinstated after the criminal charges against her were dropped.

The South Carolina women's basketball team has a very deep roster, and figuring out a starting lineup would be a tough task for most coaches -- but not Dawn Staley. In a recent conversation on the weekly radio show "Carolina Calls," Staley explained how she handles having an abundance of players with starting-caliber talent.

The Gamecocks managed a perfect season in a way that confirmed Dawn Staley’s program as the new dynasty ruling women’s college basketball.

Ashyln Watkins will be with the No. 1 South Carolina women’s basketball team Sunday when the Gamecocks travel to Charlotte to face No. 9 N.C. State. She’ll suit up and be available to play against the Wolfpack,