USC Star JuJu Watkins Speaks Out After Crushing March Madness Injury: 'Thank You All'

JuJu Watkins, a rising star in women's college basketball, has broken her silence following a devastating injury that has sidelined her for the remainder of the season. The USC guard tore her ACL during a second-round game in the NCAA Tournament, bringing her stellar sophomore campaign to an abrupt halt.

USC managed to push past Kansas State in the Sweet 16 but ultimately fell short in the Elite Eight against UConn, who secured their spot in the Final Four with a commanding 78-64 victory. The day after the loss, Watkins took to Instagram to express her gratitude for the overwhelming support she's received.

"Thank you all for the incredible love and support. Seeing all your messages and kind words has meant the world to me — y’all have given me so much hope," Watkins shared on her Instagram story. She also extended heartfelt appreciation to her teammates, saying, "Right now, my heart is with my teammates – I wish I could have been out there battling, but I couldn’t be prouder of the fight we’ve fought together."

Watkins' injury occurred during USC's matchup against Mississippi State on March 24. As she drove to the basket on a fast break, her right knee buckled, leaving her writhing in pain on the court for over a minute. The scene was gut-wrenching for fans and teammates alike, as the promising guard had been a pivotal player in USC's lineup.

Her stats this season were nothing short of impressive. Watkins averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists across 33 games, solidifying her reputation as a force to be reckoned with in NCAA women's basketball. The Los Angeles native has become a beacon of hope for USC fans, and her absence will undoubtedly be felt.

USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb addressed the uncertainty surrounding Watkins' future, stating that the team has yet to determine whether she will redshirt the 2025-26 season or attempt an early comeback. "Those aren’t conversations for right now," Gottlieb told ESPN. "But I do think we will dive into how do we stay an elite team regardless of those circumstances. We will have time to figure out how to be great, even if JuJu isn’t out there."

As Watkins begins the road to recovery, the basketball community continues to rally around her. While her playing future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: JuJu Watkins' resilience and talent have left an indelible mark on the sport.