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4w ago

USC Prepares for Sweet 16 Without Injured Star JuJu Watkins

The Trojans adapt their strategy after Watkins' season-ending ACL injury, rallying around her spirit as they face Kansas State.

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JuJu Watkins #12 of the USC Trojans and Paige Bueckers #5 of the Connecticut Huskies play against each other during the first half of an NCAA women's basketball game at the XL Center on December 21, 2024 in Hartford, Connecticut. The UConn star guard sends her best wishes to the USC star guard, who suffered a torn ACL.
Paige Bueckers of the Connecticut Huskies grabs the loose ball against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits during the second half of a second round game of the women’s NCAA basketball tournament at the Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on March 24, 2025 in Storrs, Connecticut. The Huskies defeated the Jackrabbits 91-57.

Overview

  • JuJu Watkins, USC's standout player and National Player of the Year finalist, tore her ACL during the second round of the NCAA Tournament, requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
  • USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb and players emphasize resilience and teamwork, with senior Kiki Iriafen and freshman Avery Howell stepping into expanded roles.
  • The basketball community, including Paige Bueckers and Dawn Staley, has rallied around Watkins, highlighting her cultural and athletic significance to the sport.
  • Watkins' absence has coincided with a decline in NCAA women's tournament attendance and viewership, underscoring her impact on the game's visibility.
  • USC remains determined to compete, with their Sweet 16 matchup against Kansas State presenting a test of their depth and adaptability without their star player.