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JuJu Watkins Reveals What Paige Bueckers Did After USC Star’s ACL Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hunter Hodies | Last updated Jun 22, 2025 12:16 PM ET

It's been three months since USC Trojans women's basketball star JuJu Watkins suffered a torn ACL in her right knee.

Watkins tore her ACL during the second round of the women's NCAA Tournament against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. She was driving to the basket when her right knee buckled as she planted her leg.

She had to be carried off the court before it was announced that she tore her ACL. The Trojans won the game 96-59, before beating the Kansas State Wildcats 67-61 in the Sweet 16. Their tournament run ended in the Elite Eight when they lost to the UConn Huskies, 78-64.

Watkins has been rehabbing since having surgery and confirmed on Saturday that Bueckers reached out to her after she got hurt and that it's been super helpful throughout her recovery process. She also heard from Azzi Fudd and a lot of fans.

"I didn’t realize until my injury that there is a whole ACL community," Watkins said.

Watkins was unbelievable for the Trojans during the 2024-25 season, averaging 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. The Trojans aren't sure if she will redshirt next season or try to come back late in the regular season.

She has been with the program since the 2023-24 season when she joined as a freshman. She has appeared in 67 games, averaging 25.5 points, seven rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. She also has a field goal percentage of 41.2%.

Here's to a speedy recovery for one of the best players in the country.

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

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