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USC Makes Major JuJu Watkins Announcement Amid NCAA Tournament

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Mar 26, 2025 3:28 PM ET

JuJu Watkins established herself as one of the best players in college basketball early in her career with the USC Trojans.

After an outstanding freshman season, Watkins backed that up by leading the Trojans to a Big Ten regular season title and a No. 1 seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, her dreams of leading USC to a national title ended when she suffered a season-ending ACL injury in her right knee in Monday's second-round game against Mississippi State.

Amid a tumultuous week for the USC program, Watkins has received some good news as she was named the USBWA National Player of the Year on Wednesday for her outstanding sophomore season.

JuJu Watkins is the @USBWA National Player of the Year ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2q5Z4XVswx
— USC Women's Basketball (@USCWBB) March 26, 2025

Watkins is also listed as a finalist for the Naismith National Player of the Year as well as the Wade Trophy finalist, presented to the most outstanding player in college basketball.

Watkins has averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game this season, leading the Trojans in points and assists and serving as one of the most lethal scoring weapons in college basketball.

The Trojans were able to overcome Watkins' injury to defeat Mississippi State 96-59.

While Watkins will be on the sideline, USC moves on to a Sweet 16 matchup against the No. 5 Kansas State Wildcats, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Saturday.

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

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