JuJu Watkins injured her ACL in the NCAA second-round game between the USC Trojans and the Mississippi State Bulldogs, and the entire basketball world is shook. Basketball legends like Magic Johnson and Lisa Leslie have all come forward to express their sadness with Watkins’ season being cut-short and to also encourage and motivate her.
JuJu Watkins is considered to be one of the best college basketball players out there currently and is averaging a whopping 23.9 points per game this season, grabbing 6.8 rebounds and assisting 3.4 times in every matchup played. The 23-year-old guard has been playing for the USC Trojans since 2023, and was crowned the Big Ten Player of the Year for this college basketball season.
“Devastated to hear the news that Juju Watkins tore her ACL last night. I’m praying for a speedy recovery, but I know Juju is a competitor and will be back stronger and better! 🙏🏾” Magic Johnson tweeted from his X account after learning about JuJu Watkins’ ACL injury.
Devastated to hear the news that Juju Watkins tore her ACL last night. I’m praying for a speedy recovery, but I know Juju is a competitor and will be back stronger and better! 🙏🏾
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 25, 2025
“My heart is broken💔 I will keep you in my prayers🙏🏾 @Jujubballin I know you will be back stronger and better!! Fight On @USCWBB for Juju✌🏾” Lisa Leslie also tweeted her words of comfort for JuJu Watkins.
My heart is broken💔 I will keep you in my prayers🙏🏾 @Jujubballin I know you will be back stronger and better!! Fight On @USCWBB for Juju✌🏾
— Lisa Leslie (@LisaLeslie) March 25, 2025
According to recent reports, JuJu Watkins will be undergoing surgery quite soon for her ACL tear. In Watkins’ absence, the USC Trojans will be leaning on Kiki Iriafen to take care of business in terms of offense.
JuJu Watkins’ USC Trojans Proceed To Sweet 16 Without Her
JuJu Watkins’ USC Trojans managed to win against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the second round of the NCAA tournament, earning their ticket for the Sweet 16 round later this weekend. However, Watkins will not be playing for USC as a result of her ACL injury.
Before tearing her ACL in the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, Watkins managed to etch three points on the scoreboard, grabbing a solo rebound and assisting twice. After Watkins left the game, Kiki Iriafen took charge and put up an impressive 36 points, along with nine boards and a pair of helpers, while Avery Howell chalked up 18 points for the team, with a solo rebound and six helpers.
The USC Trojans finished their regular season at the top of the Big Ten table with a 17-1 conference score and 30-3 overall, with the UCLA Bruins following closely at their heels with a 16-2 conference score, and 32-3 overall.
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Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.
