JuJu Watkins: A National Player's Devastating Injury
Star Southern Cal football player JuJu Watkins was escorted off the court, ending his season during the Trojans' victory.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events during the women's NCAA basketball tournament, star sophomore guard JuJu Watkins of the University of Southern California (USC) suffered a season-ending injury. As the Trojans took on Mississippi State, Watkins' collision with senior guard Chandler Prater resulted in a serious right knee injury that left her writhing in pain on the court.
USC's top-seeded team managed to win the game handily, but the loss of their star player undoubtedly makes their pursuit of a national championship a much steeper challenge.
In the heat of the first quarter, Watkins was busy leading a fast break when she met Prater. Her knee buckled awkwardly, and she fell to the ground, clasping her knee. A silent hush fell over the Galen Center in Los Angeles as medical staff rushed to her aid. Her teammates gathered around their fallen comrade, demonstrating their unwavering support.
Appearing far from their devastated state, the Trojans' trainers carried the nation's second-leading scorer off the court. The USC home crowd responded with a mix of groans and applause, struggling to process the sudden turn of events.
Watkins left the game with 4:43 remaining in the first quarter, having scored just three points. USC later announced that Watkins would undergo surgery before commencing rehabilitation.
Determined to prove their mettle, USC went on to sweep the Bulldogs 96-59, advancing to the Sweet 16. Kiki Iriafen, USC's senior forward, shone with a game-high 36 points, while freshman guard Avery Howell admirably filled Watkins' shoes, scoring 18 points and dishing out six assists without turning the ball over.
USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb expressed her pride in her team's resilience following the loss of their leader:
The Trojans now face the Kansas State Wildcats in the Sweet 16, determined to carry on their hard-earned momentum without Watkins. Her injury may have been a crushing blow, but the spirit of this team refuses to break.
Enrichment Data: JuJu Watkins Surgery and Rehabilitation Timeline
- Surgery Plans: JuJu Watkins will undergo surgery for her torn ACL injury. The surgery is scheduled to address her knee injury, which occurred during the USC-Mississippi State game[1][2].
- Recovery Timeframe: The average recovery timeline for college athletes after ACL surgery is between nine and twelve months. If Watkins follows this recovery trajectory:
- Best-Case Scenario (9 months): She might return to action by early 2026.
- Worst-Case Scenario (12 months): She may have to sit out for the entire 2025-2026 season, with potential clearance coming around the time of the NCAA tournament[1][2].
Watkins' recovery will play a crucial role in her future at USC and perhaps her professional career beyond college. She remains a valuable asset to the team, inspiring her teammates and fans alike with her unwavering spirit.
The surgery for JuJu Watkins' torn ACL due to her injury during the USC-Mississippi State game is scheduled. The average recovery timeline for college athletes after ACL surgery suggests she may return to action by early 2026 in the best-case scenario, or she may have to sit out for the entire 2025-2026 season, with potential clearance coming around the time of the NCAA tournament. Her resilience and spirit throughout her rehabilitation process remain crucial for her future at USC and potentially her professional career beyond college.
