Juju Watkins has taken the college basketball world by storm. But the guard of southern California suffered a devastating, seasonal knee injury during another round game in NCAA Women’s Tournament on Monday.
Watkins, 19, was led from the field in the first quarter of USC’s possible victory over Mississippi State. ESPN, citing sources, later reported that Watkins tore her right ACL and would miss the rest of the tournament. A spokesman for the team confirmed plans to get the second review and then start rehabilitation.
The heartbreaking moment triggered a significant amount of reaction across the sports world, where the WNBA star Angel Reese was among those who shared a message of support for Watkins.
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Chicago Sky Forward Angel Reese (5) seems to pass the ball against Las Vegas Aces during the first half of the WinTrust Arena. (Kamil Krzaczynski/USA Today Sports)
“Beans for Juju,” Reese wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, along with a sad face and praying hands emoji.
Caitlin Clark, the reigning wnba -rookie of the year, also shared a message of support for Watkins. “To send all my thoughts and prayers to Juju. Kid comes back stronger than ever,” Clark wrote on X.
Watkins was buried when she drove to the basket on a quick break about five minutes into Monday’s game. Her right knee looked to tighten the piece, causing her to fall on the hardwood. She remained on the floor for well over a minute and had visible pain as she grabbed her knee.
Southern California’s guard Juju Watkins (12) controls the ball against Mississippi State Guard Jerkaila Jordan (2) during the first half of the second round of NCAA College Basketball Tournament on Monday, March 24, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
Trojans ’96 -59 victory on Monday secured a place in Sweet 16, but losing wactins is likely to have a drastic influence on the tournament’s landscape. The USC entered March Madness with a top seed as the program looked at a potential race for a national title.
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Watkins composed an excellent beginner campaign in the 2023-24 season, and her impressive performance continued this year. Natives in Los Angeles were an average of 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists over 33 games this season.
Southern California’s guard Juju Watkins (12) responds to the floor after an injury during the first half against Mississippi State in the second round of NCAA College Basketball Tournament on Monday, March 24, 2025 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)
Watkins average 27.1 points per Battle during its first year. Clark, the NCAA division in the leading goal scorer across men’s and women’s basketball, is the only player that on average more points than Watkins that season.
Watkins earned the Big Ten Player of the Year Honor and was a unanimous first-team All-American for another year in a row. USC meets No. 5 Kansas State in Sweet 16 on Friday in Spokane, Washington.
