USC Star JuJu Watkins Out for Remainder of NCAA Tournament with Torn ACL

USC superstar JuJu Watkins will miss the rest of the women’s NCAA tournament after suffering a torn ACL in her right knee during the Trojans’ second-round win over Mississippi State. Watkins sustained the injury five minutes into USC’s 96-59 victory. Watkins had to be carried off the court and will undergo season-ending surgery followed by rehabilitation.

According to our Pro Docs, Watkins looks to have suffered a torn ACL & MCL which means she faces a lengthy recovery timeline. We expect her to miss a significant portion of next season at USC, with the possibility of missing the entire year.

The Associated Press All-American and national Player of the Year contender averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists this season.

“Obviously just heartbroken if there’s a serious injury for JuJu,” USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “But at the same time, I hope she can at some point see just the significance that she has here that goes so far beyond just her talent and abilities.”

Due to current WNBA rules, Watkins, who turns 20 in July, is not eligible to enter the draft until 2027 unless she graduates early. Unlike the NBA, the WNBA requires U.S. players to either be 22 years old or have completed their college eligibility. In an interview in late 2024 Watkins said, "I definitely think we should have the option to leave early. There's just been such a growth in college basketball where it’s like, 'Why would you want to leave?' Because you're able to have that experience and build your brand here in college as well. I would definitely say we should have the option, but I think college is a way to prepare us for the pros as well. So, I don’t know. It’s a touchy subject, but I’m for it.”

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