JuJu Watkins was on top of the world, leading USC to a No. 1 seed in March Madness and dominating as one of the best sophomore in the country. But just as the Trojans were gearing up for a deep NCAA tournament run, everything changed.
Watkins suffered a heartbreaking ACL tear in the second round, ending her season in an instant. And as she watched her teammates fall to UConn in the Elite Eight, she shared an emotional message that left fans devastated.
JuJu Watkins’ Heartfelt Message After Devastating Injury
Watkins had been nothing short of sensational all season. Averaging 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, she earned Big Ten Player of the Year honor. USC, with a 31-3 record, looked primed to make a serious title run.
But March Madness can be cruel. In the second round against Mississippi State, Watkins drove to the basket when disaster struck. She collapsed on the court, unable to put any weight on her right leg. The arena fell silent as she had to be carried off, her season coming to a shocking end.
Despite the devastating injury, Watkins didn’t leave her team. Instead of returning to Los Angeles ahead of her surgery, she stayed with the Trojans, supporting them from the sidelines. She continued to be a vocal leader and a source of inspiration as USC pushed forward.
But without their superstar, the Trojans struggled. They fought hard, but when they faced No. 2 seed UConn in the Elite Eight, they simply couldn’t keep up. The Huskies, led by Paige Bueckers, eliminated USC with a 78-64 victory, ending their hopes of a championship run.
As the final buzzer sounded, Watkins took to Instagram to share a message with her teammates and fans.
“Right now, my heart is with my teammates. I wish I could have been out there battling,” Watkins wrote. “But I couldn’t be prouder of the fight we’ve fought together.”
USC Desperately Miss Watkins
It was a heartbreaking admission. Watkins had been the heart and soul of this USC team. She had carried them all season, putting together one of the most impressive Sophomore campaigns in recent memory. Yet when it mattered most, she was forced to watch from the bench.
Her message also reflected the overwhelming support she had received from fans and fellow athletes.
“Seeing all your messages and kind words has meant the world to me – y’all have given me so much hope,” she added.
For a player who was already making history at the college level, this injury was a brutal setback. But she has already shown maturity beyond her years, staying engaged with the team, and handling the situation with incredible grace.
USC may have fallen short this season, but with Watkins at the helm in the future, there’s no doubt that the Trojans will be a force to be reckoned with.