Published by: Valdemar Carnegie
Updated: 7:00 PM EST, March 25, 2025
Original Photo: Jessie Alcheh/AP
JuJu Watkins has been the driving force behind USC’s 2024-2025 women’s basketball season, leading the No. 1-seeded team with 24.6 points per game while excelling in assists and steals. Her impact has helped USC climb toward its first national title in nearly 40 years, with her strong defense contributing to the team’s top-four national ranking.
Building on a historic freshman year where she averaged 27.1 points and earned first-team All-American honors, Watkins has revitalized a program that had missed the NCAA Tournament for seven straight seasons before her arrival. More than just a star player, she’s a hometown hero, filling Galen Center with an average of 5,932 fans per game—up from just 1,037 two years ago.
But as USC fans celebrate her success, they now face devastating news that will change everything.
Watkins Injury
During USC’s NCAA Tournament matchup against Mississippi State on March 24, 2025, Watkins suffered a season-ending knee injury just five minutes into the game, cutting short her incredible sophomore season. While the top-seeded Trojans dominated Mississippi State 96-59 to reach the Sweet 16 for the second straight year, the win was overshadowed by the heartbreaking sight of Watkins in pain, needing help off the court.
Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb acknowledged the emotional toll, saying, “I’d be lying if I told you that I wasn’t rattled seeing JuJu on the floor crying. This is a human game…internally, it’s a lot.” However, she praised her team’s response, adding, “This team rallied, they rallied for [Watkins], they rallied for each other.”
Despite the loss of their star player, USC remains confident in its team. Guard Talia von Oelhoffen expressed resilience, stating, “Obviously Ju is a lot for the team, but we have a lot of talent, we have a lot of depth, and I don’t think we’re shaken by losing one player no matter who it is.”
As Gottlieb emphasized, Watkins’ impact on USC extends far beyond her talent: “The significance that she has here goes so far beyond just her talent.” Though her presence will be missed, the Trojans are determined to push forward, fueled by the unity and confidence she helped build.
Watkins’ injury is a major setback, but USC is determined to keep its championship hopes alive. With depth and resilience, the Trojans will push forward, honoring the impact of their star player. But without their leader, is their current roster enough to get the job done?
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