JuJu Watkins Injury Update Revealed After NCAA Tournament

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Robert Marvi | Last updated Apr 12, 2025 12:49 AM ET

University of Southern California star JuJu Watkins suffered a catastrophic injury at just about the worst time. She tore her ACL during the second round of the women's NCAA Tournament versus Mississippi State, ending her season, as well as the Trojans' hopes of winning the national championship.

As a result, her availability for next season is in question after she turned in such a strong sophomore campaign.

According to former NBA coach Phil Handy, Watkins is feeling much better than she did right after suffering her injury.

"The couple days for her were really tough, just from a mental standpoint" Handy said on the "All The Smoke" podcast. "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.'"

"The first couple days for her were really tough."

Phil Handy shares his recent conversations with JuJu Watkins & Kyrie Irving

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Watkins averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.8 blocks a game this season for the Trojans as a sophomore. She will reportedly be eligible for the WNBA Draft in 2027, and assuming her torn ACL doesn't rob her of any of her ability, she will surely have a shot at becoming a superstar in the pros.

Off the court, she has raked in numerous endorsements. She has a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal with Nike, as well as with several other prominent companies, and she is one of a number of star players who have contributed to the explosion in popularity of women's basketball.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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