JuJu Watkins' ACL Injury Reshapes NCAA Women's Tournament and Draws Widespread Support

The USC star's season-ending injury has left a significant void in women's basketball, impacting tournament dynamics and sparking questions about her recovery timeline.

• JuJu Watkins, USC's standout player and National Player of the Year, suffered a season-ending ACL injury during the NCAA Tournament's second round against Mississippi State.
• Her absence has led to a notable decline in NCAA women's tournament attendance and TV ratings, with a 30% drop in attendance and a 22% decrease in viewership compared to last year.
• Watkins, regarded as a transformative figure in women's basketball, has elevated the sport's visibility through her talent and high-profile NIL deals with brands like Nike and Gatorade.
• The basketball community, including rivals and prominent figures like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, has rallied to support Watkins, emphasizing her impact on and off the court.
• USC faces Kansas State in the Sweet 16 without Watkins, with forward Kiki Iriafen stepping into a leadership role, while Watkins prepares for surgery and a potentially lengthy recovery process.

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