WNBA Legend's Raw Reaction to JuJu Watkins' Heartbreaking Knee Injury

The college basketball world was left reeling this week as USC Trojans women’s basketball star JuJu Watkins suffered a devastating, season-ending knee injury during the team’s March Madness game against Mississippi State.

WNBA legend Sue Bird didn’t mince words when she shared her reaction to the heartbreaking news on the "A Touch More" podcast with Megan Rapinoe. "My initial thought was like, f---," Bird said. "F--- for women’s basketball, f--- for the tournament, and then f--- for JuJu. Because now, you know, this marks a long rehab, this marks a test mentally and physically."

Bird, who has dealt with her own grueling ACL injury in the past, spoke candidly about what Watkins is likely facing. "It is not the end of anything. It’s just the end of this particular run, and JuJu will be fine," Bird said. "Yes, it’s a difficult rehab. But I know when I tore my ACL, it changed my life, it changed my career, it changed the trajectory for sure." A hard truth, but coming from Bird, it feels more like a promise than a platitude.

The injury occurred when Watkins went down on the court, and ESPN confirmed that the rising star had torn her ACL. For a player who has been one of college basketball's most electrifying scorers since stepping onto the court last season, the timing couldn’t be more crushing. Watkins had been averaging 24.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game this season, making her the nation's second-leading scorer. To say she was on a tear is an understatement.

Bird acknowledged the emotional toll such an injury can have. "A torn ACL feels like a death sentence in the moment," she said. "It stings now because of the amazing run she was on." Watkins’ USC Trojans, however, will continue their campaign in the Sweet 16 for the second consecutive year, though the void she leaves behind will undoubtedly be felt.

Messages of support have poured in from across the basketball community. Fellow stars Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark extended their prayers and well wishes to Watkins, a testament to the respect she commands among her peers.

For now, the focus shifts to Watkins' recovery, a process that will test her resolve but, as Bird suggested, could also transform her career. If there’s any silver lining to be found, it’s that this setback might just be the setup for an even greater comeback.