The work never stops for JuJu Watkins. Months after suffering a horrific ACL injury, the USC star shared on Instagram on Wednesday her showdown with an assistant coach during a recent workout session.
USC athletic trainer Erin Tillman posted on social media the matchup between Watkins and Coach D as they went through their pull exercises. The pair worked on their upper bodies through straight-arm pulldowns.
Juju training with Coach D 🔥 pic.twitter.com/b4PageqcLy
— dotty 🦋 (@kfpmixx_) July 2, 2025
Watkins dropped a one-word reaction to Tillman’s clip on her Instagram story.
“workkkk,” Watkins wrote.
Watkins has a long way to go before returning to action for USC after she injured her right knee in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. She tore her ACL during the second-round game against Mississippi State, cutting short her March Madness campaign.
The unfortunate incident occurred during the first quarter of that contest. Watkins’ knee buckled as she was driving towards the basket, causing the star guard to collapse to the court.
The Trojans managed to reach the Elite Eight despite Watkins’ injury, beating Mississippi State 96-59 in the second round and defeating Kansas State 67-61 in the Sweet 16. USC’s title hopes ended in the regional final, however, losing to eventual champions UConn 78-64.
The injury didn’t prevent Watkins from receiving numerous accolades at the end of the 2024-25 season. She was named the Naismith College Player of the Year and the Women’s National Player of the Year following her stellar season with the Trojans. She averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 boards, 3.4 dimes, 2.2 steals and 1.8 blocks per game last season.
JuJu Watkins Beats Flau’jae Johnson in Coaching Showdown at Overtime Select
JuJu Watkins delighted her fans when she made an appearance in Overtime Select’s Next Up 5s event last month. The USC guard locked horns against Flau’Jae Johnson, with the two college basketball stars appointed coaches in the hoops event.
Watkins and Johnson were tasked to lead the nation’s top female high school players. Watkins’ Team JuJu prevailed over Johnson’s Team Flau’jae, recording an 80-64 victory. Top prospect Kaleena Smith stepped up for Watkins, posting a 40-point double-double to claim MVP honors.
KEEP READING: JuJu Watkins’ LeBron James-Backed Docuseries Receives New Season on Netflix Competitor Amid Soaring Popularity
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