The USC Trojans women’s basketball team has a great guard in JuJu Watkins. She was born in Los Angeles, California, on July 15, 2005. Watkins is a big reason why USC has done well. He is 6 feet 2 inches tall. She was named a clear First-Team All-American during her junior year. In the 2024-25 season, she averaged 24.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, leading the Trojans to a 29-3 record and securing the Big Ten regular-season title.​

Injury Incident During NCAA Tournament

On March 24, 2025, during a second-round NCAA Tournament game against Mississippi State, JuJu Watkins suffered a severe knee injury. Early in the first quarter, with just under five minutes remaining, she was on a fast break when she became entangled with a Mississippi State player. She immediately collapsed to the floor, clutching her right knee in visible pain. The game officials reviewed the play for a potential flagrant foul but determined it to be a common foul on Mississippi State’s Chandler Prater. The crowd inside the Galen Center fell silent as medical staff attended to Watkins, who was subsequently carried off the court without putting any weight on her injured leg. At the time of the injury, USC was leading 13-2. ​

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Diagnosis and Impact

Following the game, USC announced that JuJu Watkins had sustained a season-ending injury and would undergo surgery and rehabilitation. Shams Charania of ESPN reported this morning that JuJu Watkins had ripped her right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). While some athletes have returned to play sooner, most who damage their ACL need around nine months to recover completely.

JuJu Watkins was carried off the court and taken to the locker room after suffering an injury on this play. pic.twitter.com/zFgm8PkVnu

— ESPN (@espn) March 25, 2025

Team’s Response and Performance

The terrible setback did not stop the Trojans from defeating Mississippi State 96–59 and proceeding to the Sweet 16. Teammate Kiki Iriafen stepped up significantly, finishing the game with a team-high 36 points. Reflecting on Watkins’ injury, Iriafen stated, “She’s a key piece for us. But we don’t want to let her down, we don’t want to let all of our fans down.” ​

Coach’s Remarks

During the ESPN show, USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb talked about the problem and made it clear that the team supports JuJu Watkins: “Our great medical team is going to see her. We have a group of people who will always support her, including fans and a team. She gives this community and all of us so much, so we’ve got her back, no matter what it is.” ​

Adjustments Moving Forward

In Watkins’ absence, the Trojans will look to Talia von Oelhoffen, an experienced graduate transfer from Oregon State, to handle point guard duties. Freshman Kennedy Smith, who has become a key contributor on both ends of the court, is also expected to play a more prominent role. Additionally, backup guard Malia Samuels remains in the rotation to provide depth in the backcourt. ​

Community Support

The basketball community has expressed an outpouring of support for JuJu Watkins. Talk show hosts and famous sportsmen have sent their best wishes for her recuperation and ideas on social media. JuJu Watkins was a major performer for the Trojans and averaged 24.6 points, 7.0 boards, and 3.5 assists per game, therefore her loss has affected the tournament.

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Looking Ahead

As USC gets ready for its Sweet 16 game against Kansas State, they will have to quickly get used to not having their star player. Without JuJu Watkins on the court, the Trojans will have to show how tough and deep they are as they try to win a national title.