Juju Watkins’ injury not only had a major impact on USC’s fortunes this season. It has also cast a shadow over the future of a team that was counting on her to be its main star next year.
What Does The Future Hold For JuJu Watkins?
When Watkins tore her ACL, USC Trojans head coach Lindsay Gottlieb was faced with an enormous dilemma. She had to replace three of her top stars and only had a few months to do it.
Of course, the departure of Kiki Iriafen and Rayah Marshall after being selected in the 2025 WNBA Draft was something that was in the cards, but not Watkins. Much less than being without her for as many months as ACL tears usually require.
So far, no indication has been given as to Watkins’ future in terms of staying at USC. However, it appears that Gottlieb is counting on her for more than just cheering on the team on the sidelines:
“She’s doing great,” Gottlieb recently told TMZ. “She’s doing great. She’s in focus mode, rehab mode…everyone’s excited about the program and team we’ve built, and we’ll be back.”
At the same time, TMZ also reported that the head coach has no intention of rushing Watkins’ return in any way.
At least mentally, Watkins seems to be making rapid progress in her recovery. Former NBA coach Phil Handy had the opportunity to speak with her and described her in a psychologically strong state:
“The couple of days for her were really tough, just from a mental standpoint,” Handy said, according to Athlon Sports. “I had a chance to talk with her a number of times. We went to lunch, and she’s on the other side of that now. She’s like, ‘Phil, man, I’m ready. I’m gonna come back stronger.”
A native of Southern California (born in Los Angeles), Kiki Wadkins has played her two seasons of college basketball with the Trojans. Not only that, but her performance has been stellar, which makes her staying at USC a more than viable scenario.
In two seasons in the NCAA, Watkins has played in 67 games, averaging 25.5 points, 7 assists, and 3.4 rebounds. Last season, she was a scoring machine for the Trojans, averaging 23.9 points per game, shooting 42.6% from the field, 32.5% from 3-point range, and 82% from the free throw line.
KEEP READING: JuJu Watkins Talks ACL Recovery with Tom Brady in Pete Carroll’s Star-Studded Leadership Class
Watkins tore her ACL five minutes into a second-round game against Mississippi State in the NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament. The Trojans went on to win that game and the next one against Kansas State in the Sweet 16. They lost in the Final 4 to UConn, who went on to win the title.
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