JuJu Watkins tears ACL, sources say, ending USC star’s season in 2025.
JuJu Watkins Tears ACL, Sources Say, Ending USC Star’s Season.
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In the world of college basketball, the anticipation of watching a star athlete dominate the court is something fans, coaches, and players eagerly look forward to. JuJu Watkins, the talented USC forward who had quickly risen to prominence as one of the nation’s most exciting players, had been living up to the immense expectations placed upon her. Known for her versatility, athleticism, and incredible basketball IQ, Watkins had quickly become a household name in the sport. But in a tragic turn of events, sources confirmed that the young athlete had suffered a torn ACL during a routine practice session, effectively ending her season.
This shocking injury has left the USC women’s basketball team, its fanbase, and the broader basketball community reeling. JuJu Watkins’ injury not only represents a devastating blow to her career but also to USC’s aspirations for the season, which were in large part centered around her skills and leadership on the court. To understand the significance of this injury, it’s important to delve into Watkins’ journey, her impact on the USC program, the nature of the injury, and the potential future for the player and the team moving forward.
JuJu Watkins: A Rising Star JuJu Watkins
JuJu Watkins, a native of Los Angeles, California, had been on the radar of college basketball scouts for years before she ultimately committed to USC. Her high school career was nothing short of spectacular. At Windward School in Los Angeles, Watkins was a dominant force, showcasing not only her scoring ability but her remarkable rebounding, defense, and leadership on the floor. Her ability to impact every facet of the game quickly caught the attention of some of the top college basketball programs across the country.
As a highly sought-after recruit, JuJu was ranked as one of the best players in the nation and chose USC to continue her basketball career, staying close to home in her beloved city of Los Angeles. Her decision was seen as a major coup for the USC women’s basketball program, which was in the midst of a rebuilding phase and needed an anchor to help restore its competitive stature.
Upon joining USC, Watkins immediately made an impact. She played her first college game like a seasoned veteran, despite being only a freshman. Her game was already polished, and she fit seamlessly into USC’s up-tempo style of play. Her scoring was explosive, her ability to drive to the basket was second to none, and she proved herself as a vocal leader both on and off the court. JuJu’s incredible performances earned her several accolades early in her career, including Pac-12 Freshman of the Year honors and All-Conference selections.
By her sophomore year, JuJu had evolved into one of the most dominant players in college basketball. She averaged over 20 points per game, often carrying her team in crucial moments with her remarkable athleticism and ability to finish around the rim. Her defense was also top-tier, and she was known for her ability to lock down opposing players, making her an all-around threat that rival teams feared.
In the 2023-2024 season, JuJu Watkins was expected to be a centerpiece for the USC Trojans as they aimed for a deep run in the NCAA tournament. She was not just the star of the team; she was the foundation upon which the team’s hopes for success rested.
The Injury: A Devastating Blow JuJu Watkins
It was during a routine practice session, on what seemed like a typical day of preparation, when disaster struck. According to sources close to the team, JuJu was going up for a rebound after a missed shot when she landed awkwardly. In an instant, the game-changer became the game’s biggest tragedy. Watkins collapsed to the ground, clutching her knee in obvious distress. The gym fell silent as teammates rushed to her side, and trainers immediately began attending to her.
Though details of the injury were initially unclear, subsequent tests revealed the heartbreaking news: JuJu Watkins had torn her ACL. The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is one of the key ligaments in the knee, and its rupture is a devastating injury for any athlete. For a basketball player like Watkins, whose game relied heavily on her explosive movements, agility, and speed, the injury meant the end of her season—and possibly the beginning of a long recovery process.
For JuJu, who had worked tirelessly to get to this point in her career, the news was devastating. At only 19 years old, the injury threatened to derail what had promised to be a bright future, both for her individual career and for USC’s championship aspirations. The recovery process for an ACL tear is long and grueling, often requiring surgery followed by months of rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the knee.
The Fallout: USC’s Season in Jeopardy
For USC, JuJu’s injury is a significant blow not only to their team’s aspirations but also to the overall morale of the program. Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb had crafted her team around Watkins, with the forward positioned as the focal point of their offensive and defensive schemes. Without JuJu, USC would need to retool their game plan and rely on other players to step up in her absence, a daunting challenge for any team.
JuJu Watkins’ influence on the floor was undeniable. Her ability to control the tempo of the game, lead in scoring, and dominate defensively was critical to USC’s success. In games where the team was struggling, it was often JuJu who would take over in the final moments, providing clutch performances to seal victories. Now, without their star player, USC’s season faced uncertainty.
For the Trojans, the question was no longer about how far they could go with JuJu leading them. Instead, it was about how they could salvage the remainder of the season. Teammates like sophomore guard Kiki Iriafen, junior forward Endyia Rogers, and senior center Jasmine Reese would be tasked with taking on more responsibility on the court. While these players were talented in their own right, none of them had the all-around impact of JuJu, and the team’s chances of making a deep run in the NCAA tournament now seemed much slimmer.
In response to the injury, Coach Gottlieb expressed her heartbreak for JuJu, stating, “This is a tough moment for our team and for JuJu, but we’re not going to give up. She’s worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and we’re going to rally together as a team to make sure we finish strong.”
Though the loss of Watkins’ leadership and talent on the court could not be underestimated, the USC team was determined not to let the injury define their season. They would need to dig deep, draw from their collective strength, and trust in their system to continue competing at a high level.
The Road to Recovery: What’s Next for JuJu?
For JuJu Watkins, the road to recovery will be long and filled with challenges. After undergoing surgery to repair her torn ACL, Watkins will face a lengthy period of rehabilitation. ACL injuries are notoriously difficult to recover from, particularly for athletes who rely on their explosive movements. While many athletes eventually return to their previous level of play after ACL surgery, it’s not guaranteed. The process requires intense physical therapy, dedication, and patience.
JuJu’s journey back to full health will also be emotional. The young star had worked tirelessly to achieve her dreams, and the abrupt end to her season is undoubtedly a heartbreaking setback. But if there is one thing that’s certain, it’s JuJu’s resilience. Throughout her career, she had already proven herself to be a fighter, someone who overcame adversity both on and off the court. Her determination to return to the game stronger than ever would be an inspiration to her teammates and fans alike.
The recovery period could take anywhere from 6 to 12 months, depending on the severity of the injury and how quickly JuJu’s body responds to rehab. During this time, she will be surrounded by a support system that includes her family, teammates, and the USC coaching staff. While her absence from the court will be felt, the basketball community knows that JuJu’s spirit and commitment will remain a driving force behind her eventual return.
The Future: What’s Next for Watkins and USC?
Looking ahead, JuJu Watkins’ future remains as bright as ever. While the injury will sideline her for the remainder of the season, her long-term potential in the sport is undeniable. She was already considered one of the top prospects in women’s college basketball, and her ability to recover and return to form could make her an even stronger player when she eventually steps back onto the court.
As for USC, the team faces a tough road ahead without their star player. But in sports, adversity often brings out the best in a team. The Trojans will need to dig deep, and the lessons they learn in JuJu’s absence could shape their growth moving forward. While their championship aspirations may now be more distant, USC’s future remains filled with promise—both in the immediate aftermath of the injury and in the years to come when JuJu Watkins eventually makes her return.
Conclusion: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The news of JuJu Watkins’ torn ACL and the subsequent end to her season has left a deep mark on the USC basketball program, but it also highlights the resilience of both the player and the team. For JuJu, this injury represents a painful chapter in what has already been an inspiring career. Yet her drive, determination, and commitment to the game are qualities that will serve her well as she works her way back from this setback.
USC’s season will undoubtedly face many challenges without their star player, but the Trojans will continue to fight. In sports, the road to success is rarely a straight line, and setbacks like this one often set the stage for even greater comebacks. For JuJu Watkins, her journey is far from over—and when she finally returns to the court, fans will be there to witness her rise again.
