Introduction: A Star Falls, a Team Rises
On March 24, 2025, the world of women’s college basketball held its breath as JuJu Watkins, the electrifying sophomore guard for the USC Trojans women’s basketball team, crumpled to the floor during a second-round NCAA Tournament game against Mississippi State. Just five minutes into the contest at Galen Center in Los Angeles, Watkins suffered an apparent JuJu Watkins knee injury, sparking immediate concern among fans, teammates, and analysts. As the Trojans went on to secure a commanding 96-59 victory, the focus quickly shifted from the scoreboard to the health of their superstar. This blog post delves into the details of the JuJu Watkins injury, its implications for USC women’s basketball, and the latest updates surrounding one of the sport’s brightest talents.
The Incident: What Happened to JuJu Watkins?
The USC vs Mississippi State women’s basketball matchup was poised to be a showcase of Watkins’ brilliance. Averaging 24.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, JuJu had been the driving force behind USC’s 29-3 season and their No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. However, the game took a dramatic turn early in the first quarter. With the Trojans leading 13-2, Watkins initiated a fast break, weaving between two Mississippi State defenders. As she planted her right leg to evade a foul from Bulldogs’ Chandler Prater, her knee buckled awkwardly, sending her crashing to the hardwood.
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Eyewitnesses described a chilling scene: Watkins immediately clutched her right knee, writhing in pain as the Galen Center crowd fell silent. Teammates gathered around her, and USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb rushed to her side alongside medical staff. After a tense minute on the floor, Watkins was unable to stand on her own. Two trainers lifted her, carrying her off the court with a towel draped over her lower body—a visual that fueled speculation about the severity of the JuJu injury. USC later announced at halftime that Watkins would not return to the game, leaving fans desperate for a JuJu Watkins injury update.
Immediate Reaction: Shock and Speculation
The sight of JuJu Watkins hurt sent shockwaves through the women’s basketball community. Social media buzzed with concern, with posts on X suggesting everything from a minor sprain to a season-ending JuJu Watkins ACL tear. One user, @TheDegenDoc, noted, “The immediate fear & worst-case scenario is an ACL tear… Hard to imagine there’s not at least some knee ligament damage.” Another, @dcmadness202, speculated about an MCL sprain, outlining recovery timelines ranging from 1-2 weeks for a mild injury to a full season lost for a severe tear.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Holly Rowe reported during the broadcast that Watkins had been wheeled out of Galen Center for further imaging, likely an MRI, as the facility lacked on-site equipment for such tests. “She’s getting incredible medical care,” Gottlieb assured viewers post-game, though she refrained from offering a definitive prognosis. The absence of an immediate diagnosis only heightened the uncertainty surrounding the USC JuJu Watkins injury.
USC Steps Up: Kiki Iriafen Shines Amid Crisis
Despite the loss of their star, the USC WBB squad demonstrated remarkable resilience. Enter Kiki Iriafen, the Stanford transfer who stepped into the spotlight with a career-high 36 points on 16-for-22 shooting. Iriafen’s dominance in the paint, coupled with 11 rebounds, propelled USC to a 37-point rout over Mississippi State. Her performance was a testament to the Trojans’ depth, a critical factor as they navigate the fallout from the Ju Ju Watkins injury.
“We didn’t want to let her down,” Iriafen told ESPN, reflecting on the team’s motivation to rally for Watkins. Backup guard Avery Howell also contributed 18 points off the bench, while the Trojans’ defense suffocated Mississippi State, forcing turnovers and limiting their scoring opportunities. The victory advanced USC to the Sweet 16, but the triumph was bittersweet, overshadowed by questions about what happened to JuJu.
A Pattern of Resilience: JuJu Watkins’ Injury History
This wasn’t the first time Watkins faced an injury scare in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. In USC’s first-round blowout win over UNC Greensboro (71-25), she endured two minor setbacks. Early in the game, Watkins jammed her left hand after a collision, later seen massaging it on the sideline. Then, in the third quarter, she rolled her left ankle on a drive, briefly limping before sinking a three-pointer and returning to the bench. Post-game, she downplayed the incidents, telling ESPN’s Holly Rowe, “It’s the end of the season, body’s a little banged up… Nobody cares. I’m all good.”
That gritty mentality has defined Watkins’ tenure at USC. Last season, as a freshman, she led the Trojans to the Elite Eight, falling just short of the Final Four against UConn. Her ability to play through discomfort has endeared her to fans and cemented her status as a contender for National Player of the Year. However, the JuJu Watkins knee injury against Mississippi State appears far more serious, raising doubts about her immediate future with USC women’s basketball.
The Stakes: USC’s Championship Aspirations
The Trojans entered the tournament as a favorite to reach the Final Four, buoyed by Watkins’ brilliance and a bolstered roster featuring Iriafen and the nation’s top freshman class. Their December 2024 upset of then-No. 4 UConn—Watkins’ 25-point masterpiece—signaled their potential to end a 41-year title drought (last won in 1984). Now, with the JuJu Watkins injury report pending, USC faces a pivotal moment. Can they sustain their momentum without their superstar?
Historically, USC has leaned heavily on Watkins’ scoring and playmaking. Her absence could shift the offensive burden to Iriafen and guards like Talia von Oelhoffen and Kennedy Smith, the latter recently back from a surgical procedure. Defensively, the Trojans remain formidable, as evidenced by their lockdown performance against Mississippi State. Yet, the road ahead—potentially facing Kansas State in the Sweet 16 and a rematch with UConn in the Elite Eight—will test their adaptability.
Expert Analysis: What’s Next for JuJu Watkins?
Medical experts and analysts have weighed in on the JuJu Watkins update, though without an official diagnosis, their assessments remain speculative. Dr. Brian Sutterer, a sports medicine physician cited by On3, suggested that Watkins’ inability to bear weight on her right leg points to a significant injury, potentially an ACL tear or meniscus damage. “The mechanism—knee valgus under pressure—is classic for ligament injuries,” he explained. Recovery from an ACL tear could sideline Watkins for 9-12 months, effectively ending her sophomore season and delaying her WNBA aspirations.
Conversely, a less severe outcome, such as a bone bruise or mild MCL sprain, might see her return within weeks, though likely not in time for the tournament’s later rounds. USC’s medical team, affiliated with Keck Medicine, is reportedly expediting tests to clarify the extent of the USC women’s star’s injury. Until then, the Trojans and their fans are left in limbo, awaiting the next JuJu Watkins injury update.
Fan and Community Response: A City Holds Its Breath
The USC game against Mississippi State revealed the depth of Watkins’ impact beyond the stat sheet. As she was carried off, Galen Center erupted in boos directed at Mississippi State, a visceral reaction to losing their hometown hero. Watkins, a Los Angeles native, has revitalized USC basketball women, drawing sellout crowds and national attention. Her peers, including WNBA star Angel Reese, flooded social media with support, underscoring her influence across the sport.
“Prayers up for JuJu,” tweeted Reese, echoing sentiments from fans who see Watkins as the face of a new era in women’s basketball. Her potential absence could dampen the Trojans’ championship buzz, but it also highlights the resilience of a program that refuses to fold. As Gottlieb noted post-game, “We’ve got her back, no matter what.”
The Bigger Picture: Women’s Basketball in the Spotlight
The JuJu Watkins injury underscores the growing prominence of women’s college basketball. With stars like Watkins, Paige Bueckers, and Hannah Hidalgo driving viewership, the sport is experiencing a renaissance. USC’s clash with Mississippi State, though marred by injury, showcased the physicality and passion that define the game. Watkins’ plight—whether a triumphant return or a prolonged recovery—will only amplify that narrative.
Moreover, the Trojans’ ability to thrive without Watkins could signal a shift in how teams build around superstars. Iriafen’s emergence as a dominant force suggests USC has the depth to compete, a luxury few programs enjoy. This balance of star power and teamwork may define the future of USC women’s basketball.
Looking Ahead: What Happened to JuJu Watkins?
As of 10:09 PM PDT on March 24, 2025, no official JuJu Watkins injury report has been released. USC’s next game looms in the Sweet 16, likely against Kansas State, and the Trojans must prepare for all scenarios. If Watkins returns, her presence could propel USC to new heights. If not, Iriafen and company will need to carry the torch, proving that the Trojans are more than a one-player team.
For now, the focus remains on Watkins’ health. The USC women’s faithful—and the broader basketball world—await answers, hoping that what happened to JuJu is a temporary setback rather than a defining blow. Stay tuned for the latest JuJu Watkins update as this story develops.
ESPN – Comprehensive coverage of NCAA women’s basketball, including game recaps and player injuries.
Sports Illustrated – In-depth analysis and updates on JuJu Watkins and USC’s tournament run.
Los Angeles Times – Local perspective on Watkins’ impact and the Trojans’ season.
CBS Sports – Breaking news and expert commentary on the JuJu Watkins injury.
USA Today – Live updates and injury reports from the NCAA Tournament.
FAQ: JuJu Watkins Injury
Q: What happened to JuJu Watkins during the USC game?
A: JuJu Watkins hurt her right knee five minutes into USC’s second-round NCAA Tournament game against Mississippi State on March 24, 2025. She collapsed after a foul on a fast break and was carried off the court, unable to bear weight on her leg.
Q: Is JuJu Watkins’ injury an ACL tear?
A: As of now, there’s no confirmation of a JuJu Watkins ACL tear. Speculation ranges from a ligament injury to a bone bruise, pending an MRI and official JuJu Watkins injury update.
Q: Will JuJu Watkins return this season?
A: It’s unclear. A minor injury could see her back in weeks, but a severe JuJu Watkins knee injury like an ACL tear could end her season. USC has not provided a timeline.
Q: How did USC perform without JuJu Watkins?
A: The USC Trojans women’s basketball team won 96-59 against Mississippi State, led by Kiki Iriafen’s 36 points, showing their depth despite the Ju Ju Watkins injury.
Q: Where can I find the latest JuJu Watkins injury report?
A: Check official USC channels, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated for the most current JuJu Watkins injury report as the situation evolves.
