JuJu Watkins, the 19-year-old basketball prodigy from USC, was on the brink of something extraordinary. She had already established herself as one of the most exciting players in women’s college basketball, with a style and swagger that made every game she played a spectacle. Averaging 27.1 points per game as a freshman, JuJu quickly became the face of USC basketball, propelling the team into national relevance. Her fast breaks, her ability to split defenses, and her unrelenting attack at the rim made her unstoppable. The world was watching as she was poised to dominate in March Madness, writing a new chapter in her already storied career.
But just minutes into USC’s second-round NCAA Tournament game, everything changed. JuJu, as always, was leading the charge, charging down the court with her signature aggression. She attempted to split a double-team, attacking the basket with force, when disaster struck. Her right knee buckled beneath her, sending shockwaves through the arena.
The sound of her knee snapping echoed in the silence, and it became immediately apparent that this wasn’t just another fall. This was something serious. Her teammates rushed to her side, and the medical staff quickly arrived. JuJu’s tears told the whole story—pain, frustration, and the crushing realization that her season had just ended. She was carried off the court, unable to walk, unable to stand. The injury, later confirmed as a torn ACL, had stolen her from the tournament. Just like that, the hopes of a deep run for USC, and possibly her rise to the top of women’s basketball, came crashing down.
JuJu’s injury wasn’t just a setback for USC, it was a seismic shock to the entire women’s basketball world. This was a player who had revolutionized the game with her talent, and now, her journey was on hold. But in the midst of the heartbreak, something remarkable happened. The rivalry between two of the sport’s biggest stars, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, took a backseat. Both athletes, who had been fierce competitors on the court, came together to support JuJu.
Angel Reese, the fiery star from LSU, tweeted, “Prayers for JuJu,” with nothing but raw compassion. No drama, no rivalry, just a message of support for a fellow player who had given her all on the court. Reese, known for her unapologetic swagger and relentless drive, showed a side of herself that many hadn’t seen before—a side that was vulnerable and empathetic.
Caitlin Clark, the scoring machine from Iowa and reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, also took to social media to show her respect. “Sending all my thoughts and prayers to JuJu. Kid will come back stronger than ever.” It wasn’t just a generic message; it was a message of respect. Caitlin, who knew the mental and physical toll of carrying a team on her shoulders, recognized JuJu’s brilliance and gave her flowers even while she was down.
What was so striking about this moment was the unity that emerged. Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, who represented two very different styles of play and personalities in women’s basketball, set aside their rivalries and came together for the greater good. In a sport where competition is fierce, seeing the top stars rally behind JuJu Watkins was a reminder of the bonds that exist beyond the game.
The reaction to JuJu’s injury wasn’t just limited to fellow players. Fans from around the world flooded social media with messages of support, sending their thoughts and prayers to the young athlete who had been so inspiring to them. The outpouring of love was palpable. But amidst the heartfelt reactions, the brutal reality of the situation began to sink in.
JuJu Watkins wasn’t just another talented player. She was a force of nature, one of the most electrifying young players the sport had seen in years. Her rise had been meteoric, and her impact on the game was undeniable. She wasn’t just a scorer; she was a movement. From her first game of the 2023-24 season, she had looked like someone who belonged at the next level, dominating college basketball with an intensity that was impossible to ignore. Her 27.1 points per game as a freshman was mind-blowing, especially considering the fact that only Caitlin Clark had put up more.
JuJu’s skill set was unique. Her ability to finish through contact, her fearlessness, and her shot selection made her one of the most dangerous players on the court. Coaches were forced to redesign their defensive schemes just to try and slow her down. And it wasn’t just about the stats—JuJu brought charisma, leadership, and an edge to USC that had been missing for years. She was the reason people started filling up the stands for USC basketball again, the reason the team became relevant on the national stage.
But in an instant, all of that momentum was gone. The injury wasn’t just a blow to JuJu—it was a blow to the entire sport. The loss of such a promising player was a gut punch to everyone who had watched her rise. March Madness was her stage, and now, that stage had been taken away from her.
For USC, the impact was immediate. JuJu wasn’t just the star player; she was the foundation of the team. The game plan revolved around her, and with her absence, the team had to figure out how to move forward. In their next game, USC rallied behind the emotional leadership of senior Kiki Iren, securing a hard-fought victory against Mississippi State. But one win didn’t erase the psychological toll of losing their leader. The team had to step up in ways they hadn’t prepared for. The loss of JuJu changed everything.
And then there were the questions. How would USC fare in the rest of the tournament without her? Could they overcome the loss of their star player and make a run to the Sweet 16? The narrative would forever be colored by the injury—if they lost, it would be seen as a collapse. If they succeeded, it would be questioned whether it was truly a team effort or just the foundation that JuJu had laid before her injury.
But beyond the tactical and psychological implications, there was something more at play. JuJu’s injury sparked a larger conversation about the vulnerability of women’s basketball players to ACL injuries. It wasn’t just bad luck—there was a pattern emerging. Top-tier athletes, despite their rigorous training and recovery, were constantly succumbing to knee injuries. Paige Bueckers, Cameron Brink, Azie Fudd—these were all names synonymous with greatness in women’s basketball, yet all had fallen victim to ACL tears.
It raised the question: Why were so many top athletes suffering from the same injury? Biomechanics suggest that women are at a higher risk for ACL injuries due to a combination of joint structure, hormonal cycles, and movement patterns. But knowing this, why was there so little investment in prevention? Why wasn’t there more emphasis on strengthening ligaments and developing training programs to reduce the risk? Why did women’s basketball continue to operate on limited resources, while male athletes had access to state-of-the-art sports science?
JuJu’s injury wasn’t just a loss for USC—it was a loss for the entire sport. It underscored the need for a system that prioritized long-term health over short-term glory. Female athletes, like JuJu, deserved better. They deserved to play in a system that protected their bodies, rather than exploiting them for the sake of a championship.
As the world processed JuJu’s injury, one thing became clear—this wasn’t the end of her story. The support she received from players like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, the outpouring of love from fans, and the unity within the women’s basketball community showed that JuJu’s journey was far from over. When she returns, she will be stronger than ever, and the world will be ready for the next chapter in her legendary career.
Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark send prayers to JuJu Watkins after USC star’s heartbreaking injury
JuJu Watkins suffered a season-ending knee injury during Monday’s NCAA women’s tournament game
JuJu Watkins has taken the college basketball world by storm. But, the Southern California guard suffered a devastating, season-ending knee injury during a second-round game in the NCAA women’s tournament on Monday.
Watkins, 19, was carried off the court in the first quarter of USC’s eventual victory over Mississippi State. ESPN, citing sources, later reported that Watkins tore her right ACL and would miss the remainder of the tournament. A team spokesperson confirmed plans to have the sophomore undergo surgery and then start rehabilitation.
The heartbreaking moment sparked a considerable amount of reaction across the sports world, with WNBA star Angel Reese being among those who shared a message of support to Watkins.
“Prayers 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. “Sending all my thoughts and prayers to JuJu. Kid will come back stronger than ever,” Clark wrote on X.
Watkins was fouled as she drove to the basket on a fast break around five minutes into Monday’s game. Her right knee appeared to buckle on the play, which caused her to fall onto the hardwood. She remained on the floor for well over a minute and was in visible pain as she grabbed her knee.
The Trojans’ 96-59 win on Monday secured a spot in the Sweet 16, but losing Waktins will likely have a drastic impact on the tournament’s landscape. USC entered March Madness with a top seed as the program eyed a potential run to a national title.
Watkins put together an outstanding freshman campaign during the 2023-24 season, and her impressive performance continued this year. The Los Angeles native averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists over 33 games this season.
Watkins averaged 27.1 points per game during her freshman year. Clark, the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer across men’s and women’s basketball, is the only player to average more points than Watkins that season.
Watkins earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors and was a unanimous first-team All-American for a second consecutive year. USC will meet No. 5 Kansas State in the Sweet 16 on Friday in Spokane, Washington.
