Juju Watkins took the world of college basketball by storm. However, Southern California security guards suffered a devastating season-ending knee injury during the second round of games at the NCAA Women's Tournament on Monday.
Watkins, 19, was taken from court in the first quarter of USC's final victory over Mississippi. ESPN, quote source, Later, Watkins tore her right ACL and reported that she missed the rest of the tournament. A team spokesman planned to start rehabilitation after undergoing surgery in his sophomore year.
The tragic moments sparked considerable responses throughout the sports world, with WNBA star Angel Rees among those who shared a message of support for Watkins.
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Chicago Sky Forward Angel Reese (5) appears to pass the ball to the Las Vegas ace in the first half at Wintra Store Aries. (Kamil Krzaczynski/USA Today Sports)
“Prayer for Juju” Reese wrote Previously known as Twitter, X is a sad face and emoji with prayer hands.
WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark also shared a message of support for Watkins. “I'll send all my thoughts and prayers to Juju. The child will come back stronger than ever.” Clark wrote x.
Watkins was fouled as he drove into the basket with a five-minute fast break until Monday's game. Her right knee appeared to be engaging the play, so she fell into the hardwoods. She stayed on the floor for more than a minute, feeling visible pain as she grabbed her knee.
Southern California guard Juju Watkins (12) controls the ball against Mississippi National Guard's Jalkaira Jordan (2) in the first half in the second round of the NCAA College Basketball Tournament in Los Angeles on Monday, March 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Jesse Arche)
The Trojans' 96-59 victory on Monday secured a Sweet 16 spot, but losing the Waktin could have a dramatic impact on the tournament landscape. USC got into March's madness with the top seed, with the program turning its eye on a potential run for the national title.
USC's Rayah Marshall is restrained in a fierce moment after the victory of March Madness
Watkins put together a great 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.
Southern California guard Juju Watkins (12) responds to the floor after being injured in the first half of Mississippi State on Monday, March 24, 2025 in the second round of the NCAA College Basketball Tournament in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jesse Arche)
Watkins averaged 27.1 points per game during his freshman year. The NCAA Division I all-time high scorer, Clark is the only player who averages more points than that season, beyond male and female basketball.
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Watkins won the Big Ten Player of the Year honor and was the first unanimous team nationwide for the second year in a row. USC will meet No. 5 Kansas in Spokane, Washington on Friday at Sweet 16.
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