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USC Dealt Unfortunate News on Five-Star After JuJu Watkins Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brendan Howe | Last updated Apr 2, 2025 11:58 PM ET

Things keep getting worse for the USC Trojans women's basketball team. First, they lost standout JuJu Watkins to an ACL injury. Then, Lindsay Gottlieb's No. 1-seeded team was bounced from the NCAA tournament by the No. 2 UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight. Now, freshman guard Avery Howell is on her way out the door.

"USC freshman guard Avery Howell is entering the transfer portal," the Los Angeles Times' Ryan Kartje wrote Wednesday night on X. "Had a great freshman year and was expected to play a big role next year. But the Trojans best 3-point shooter is heading elsewhere."

Howell was a five-star and the No. 16 overall recruit in the Class of 2024, according to ESPN's HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings. She averaged 7.5 points and 3.0 rebounds per game this season. She shot 43.1% from the field.

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"I want to start by expressing my deepest gratitude to the University of Southern California, my coaches, teammates, and the entire Trojan family for their unwavering support and the incredible experiences I've had during my time here," Howell said in a statement graphic on her Instagram. "USC has shaped me not only as an athlete but also as a person, and I will forever cherish the relationships and memories I've made.

"After much reflection, I have decided to enter the transfer portal in search of the best fit for my future. This was not an easy decision, but I believe it is the right step for my journey. Thank you, USC, for everything—you will always hold a special place in my heart."

Howell had Indiana, Utah, Washington, and Duke in her final five before committing to USC.

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

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