Juju Watkins storm the world of university basketball. But, the southern California goalkeeper underwent a devastating and end of season injury in a second round match in the NCAA women’s tournament on Monday.
Watkins, 19, was swept away on the field in the first quarter of the USC’s possible victory against the state of Mississippi. ESPN, citing sources, later pointed out that Watkins had torn his right ACL and would miss the rest of the tournament. A team spokesman confirmed his intention to undergo the student in the second year, then start rehabilitation.
The heartbreaking moment has sparked a considerable reaction in the world of sport, the star of the WNBA, Angel Reese, expressing those who shared a message of support in Watkins.
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Chicago Sky Angel Reese (5) striker is looking to pass the ball against Las Vegas AS during the first half at Wintrust Arena. (Kamil Krzaczynski / USA TODAY SPORTS)
“Prayers for Juju,” wrote Reese on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as an emoji with sad and praying hands.
Caitlin Clark, the reward of the title year of the WNBA, also shared a message of support in Watkins. “Sending all my thoughts and prayers to Juju. Kid will come back stronger than ever,” wrote Clark on X.
Watkins was the victim of a fault as she went to the basket during a quick break about five minutes in the match on Monday. His right knee seemed to complete the game, which led him to fall on hardwood. She stayed on the ground for more than a minute and had visible pain when she grabbed her knee.
The South goalkeeper of California Juju Watkins (12) controls the ball against the Mississippi state goalkeeper, Jerkaila Jordan (2) during the first half in the second round of the NCAA basketball tournament on Monday, March 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP photo / Jessie Alcheh)
The victory of the Trojans 96-59 Monday obtained a place in Sweet 16, but losing Waktins will probably have a drastic impact on the tournament landscape. The USC entered March Madness with a seeded while the program looked at a potential race towards a national title.
Rayah Marshall of the USC is selected in a moment animated after the victory of March Madness
Watkins carried out an exceptional first-year campaign during the 2023-24 season, and its impressive performance continued this year. The native of Los Angeles collected an average of 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 33 games this season.
The South goalkeeper of California Juju Watkins (12) reacts on the ground after an injury during the first half against the state of Mississippi in the second round of the Basketball tournament of the University of NCAA on Monday, March 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP photo / Jessie Alcheh)
Watkins collected an average of 27.1 points per game during its first year. Clark, the top scorer of all time in Division I of the NCAA through male and female basketball, is the only player to make on average more than Watkins this season.
Watkins won the honors of the player of the year of Big Ten and was an All-American from the first unanimous team for a second consecutive year. The USC will meet the Kansas State N ° 5 in Sweet 16 Friday in Spokane, Washington.
