USC star JuJu Watkins suffered a devastating knee injury during the Trojans’ second-round NCAA Tournament game against Mississippi State on March 24, 2025.
USC women’s basketball standout JuJu Watkins suffered a heartbreaking knee injury during the first quarter of the Trojans’ NCAA Tournament second-round matchup against Mississippi State on March 24, 2025. The highly touted freshman, who has been a key force for USC all season, went down in visible pain after landing awkwardly on a drive to the basket. She was unable to put weight on her right leg and had to be carried off the court by the team’s medical staff, leaving teammates and fans in shock.
Following initial evaluations, Watkins was diagnosed with a torn ACL in her right knee, an injury that will require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. The setback is a devastating blow for both Watkins and the Trojans, as she has been instrumental in their success, averaging 24.6 points per game and establishing herself as one of the top players in the nation. Her absence will undoubtedly leave a significant void on the court, but her teammates are determined to push forward in her honor.
Despite the emotional toll of losing their star player, USC responded with a dominant performance, securing a resounding 96-59 victory over Mississippi State to advance to the Sweet 16. In Watkins’ absence, forward Kiki Iriafen stepped up in a major way, delivering a career-best 36-point performance to lead the Trojans to victory. The team’s resilience was on full display, as they rallied around one another and remained focused on their championship aspirations.
Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb praised her players for their composure and determination in the face of adversity. She acknowledged that losing Watkins is a major setback but emphasized that the team would continue to fight for her. “JuJu has been the heart and soul of this team,” Gottlieb said. “It’s devastating to see her go down like that, but we’re going to keep pushing forward. This team is strong, and we’re going to play for her.”
USC will now prepare for a Sweet 16 showdown against Kansas State, where they will look to continue their deep tournament run despite the loss of their star player. While Watkins’ presence on the court will be missed, her leadership and impact on the program remain undeniable. The Trojans are determined to turn their heartbreak into motivation as they pursue their championship dreams.
Her absence will undoubtedly have a huge impact on USC’s chances in the tournament, but fans and analysts alike expect her to make a strong comeback in the following season
Biography and Career
Full Name: Judea “JuJu” Watkins
Date of Birth: July 15, 2005
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
Height: 6’2″ (1.88m)
Position: Guard
College: University of Southern California (USC)
Early Life and High School Career
JuJu Watkins was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where she quickly developed a passion for basketball. She first attended Windward School before transferring to Sierra Canyon School, both prestigious basketball powerhouses in Southern California.
At Sierra Canyon, Watkins established herself as one of the most dominant high school players in the nation. Her impressive performances and undeniable talent earned her numerous accolades, including:
Gatorade National Player of the Year (2023) – Given to the best high school player in the country
Naismith Prep Player of the Year (2023) – Awarded to the top high school player in the nation
McDonald’s All-American (2023) – Recognizing the best high school seniors in the U.S.
California Gatorade Player of the Year (2022, 2023) – Dominating the competition in her home state
By the time she graduated, she was ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the country, making her one of the most highly sought-after players in recent history. She eventually committed to play for USC, where she aimed to revitalize the Trojans’ basketball program.
College Career at USC
Watkins made an immediate impact as a freshman at USC in the 2023-24 season. She quickly became one of the top scorers in the nation and shattered records along the way. Her combination of skill, athleticism, and court vision made her a nightmare for defenders.
Some of her most impressive accomplishments in her freshman season included:
Set the national freshman scoring record with 920 total points
Averaged 27.1 points per game, the highest among all freshmen in the country
Scored a USC record-breaking 51 points in a stunning upset victory over Stanford
Led USC to a strong NCAA Tournament run, helping bring national attention back to the Trojans’ program
In her sophomore season (2024-25), Watkins continued to dominate. She averaged 24.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, proving that she was not just a scoring machine but a complete all-around player. Her leadership and talent propelled USC into national title contention.
Impact on Women’s Basket Ball
Despite her young age, JuJu Watkins has already left a lasting mark on the sport. She is widely considered one of the future faces of women’s basketball and has drawn comparisons to legends like Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, and Sabrina Ionescu.
Her elite scoring ability, court awareness, and leadership make her a strong candidate for future WNBA stardom. Many believe that once she recovers from her injury, she will return stronger and continue her path toward becoming one of the greatest players in the game.
Social Media Presence and Popularity
Beyond her skills on the court, Watkins has built a strong following on social media. Her Instagram account @jujubballin has amassed over a million followers, where she shares glimpses of her basketball journey, workouts, and personal life.
She is also an emerging figure in the world of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, securing partnerships with major brands and helping to grow the popularity of women’s basketball.
Looking Ahead
While her recent injury is a setback, JuJu Watkins has already proven that she has the talent, determination, and mindset to overcome adversity. As she begins her recovery process, the basketball world will be eagerly waiting for her return, knowing that her best years are still ahead of her.
Whether in college or at the professional level, Watkins is destined to be a household name in basketball for years to come.
