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JuJu Watkins’ Teammate Makes Transfer Portal Decision After NCAA Tournament

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Robert Marvi | Last updated Apr 11, 2025 7:25 PM ET

The University of Southern California looked to have some shot at winning the women's NCAA Tournament this year, but its chances vanished into thin air when star guard JuJu Watkins tore her ACL during the second round versus Mississippi State.

It was a tragic end to what was a promising and productive season. Watkins averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.8 blocks a game, and she's expected to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft.

As far as the Trojans are concerned, they're losing a player to the transfer portal. Guard Aaliyah Gayles has reportedly committed to Utah State for next season.

BREAKING: USC transfer Aaliyah Gayles has committed to Utah State, she told @On3sports.

The 5-9 sophomore was ranked the No. 8 recruit in the nation coming out of high school.

TRACKER: https://t.co/StsxDxjlYl pic.twitter.com/qe4k13B5dB
— Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) April 11, 2025

Gayles has barely played so far in her college career. Through two seasons, she has averaged just 1.1 points, 0.6 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 0.4 steals in 5.1 minutes a game.

But she has been an example of perseverance and resilience despite her meager stats. She was a top recruit out of high school in Las Vegas, but in April 2022, months before he headed to Southern California to start college, she was shot multiple times at a house party.

Her situation was grave, and she had suffered multiple fractures in her limbs as a result of 18 bullet holes. It looked like she would never play basketball again, or perhaps even walk again.

Simply returning to the basketball court months after the incident was a major accomplishment for her. Now she hopes to fulfill at least some of her previous potential on a new team.

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

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