College basketball is like sacred grounds for Caitlin Clark. But it took a gut punch on Monday night. USC Trojans star JuJu Watkins, a force of nature on the court, went down with a brutal ACL tear, cutting her freshman March Madness run heartbreakingly short.
But while the injury has cast a dark cloud over USC’s championship hopes, there’s already a wave of support rolling in from some of the biggest names in the game. Indiana Fever sensation Clark is one of them.
Caitlin Clark Reacts to Watkins’ Injury
USC’s matchup against Mississippi State should’ve been a celebration—a dominant 96-59 win, securing the Trojans a Sweet 16 berth. Instead, it became a night of heartbreak. With just under five minutes into the first quarter, Watkins made a drive to the hoop, only to collapse in visible pain. The entire Galen Center held its breath as she was carried off the court.
Initially, there was hope. USC head coach Lindsey Gottlieb didn’t have an update postgame, but hours later, the program confirmed everyone’s worst fears: season over. Surgery next. Then, the long road to recovery.
When a generational talent goes down, the entire basketball community feels it. The WNBA world was quick to rally around Watkins, with countless stars sending well wishes. But Clark’s message hit differently. There’s a mutual respect there—one superstar recognizing another.
Clark wrote on X, “Sending all my thoughts and prayers to JuJu. Kid will come back stronger than ever ❤️”
Sending all my thoughts and prayers to JuJu. Kid will come back stronger than ever ❤️
— Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) March 25, 2025
Clark knows a thing or two about overcoming adversity. She’s been the face of women’s college basketball, carrying Iowa on her back while breaking records left and right. Now, she’s using her platform to uplift Watkins, someone who was on a similar path to stardom.
Watkins’ Absence a Big Blow for USC
It’s a devastating blow not just for USC, but for college basketball as a whole. Watkins was on a tear this season, putting up 24.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Just in the first round of the tournament, she dropped 22 points and 8 rebounds in a blowout win over UNCG. Her presence wasn’t just about the numbers—she was the heart and soul of the Trojans’ title dreams. Now, those dreams are hanging by a thread.
For USC, the road ahead just got a lot tougher. Kansas State awaits them in the Sweet 16, and without Watkins leading the charge, it’s going to take a collective effort to keep their championship dreams alive.
But if there’s one thing this team has shown all season, it’s resilience. And Watkins has shown that she’s built for the big moments. This time, her biggest battle will be off the court—but if you ask Clark, Watkins will come back stronger than ever. And knowing the competitor she is, you better believe it.