When everything suggested fans were bound to see JuJu Watkins going against Paige Bueckers one last time before the latter went to the WNBA, the USC Trojans women’s basketball star suffered a season-ending injury that could extend her absence well into the 2025-26 NCAA season.
Watkins played 33 games during her sophomore campaign, averaging 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. She was a do-it-all player once again, leading her squad to a 28-3 record in the regular season.
The eventual national champions eliminated the women of Troy, the UConn Huskies, in the Elite Eight, when Watkins was already sidelined with an ACL tear in her right knee. They are set to clash again in the upcoming season, but JuJu may not be available for that matchup either.
NCAA analyst details impact of JuJu Watkins’ absence on USC’s chances
College basketball analyst Tee Baker detailed how Watkins’ absence would affect this game, especially the head-to-head matchup with Huskies star Azzi Fudd. He told “The Hoops Cap” host Mark Zanetto on Friday:
JuJu Watkins #12 of the USC Trojans in the second half during the first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Galen Center on March 22, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
“It’s unfortunate because I feel like the JuJu Watkins-Azzi (Fudd) angle is right there,” Baker said. “JuJu’s hurt, so she won’t be able to participate in it. It’s like ships in the night with those two because we won’t get that moment.”
Just like Paige Bueckers, Watkins will miss significant time with an injury. She will return for the 2026-27 campaign, hoping to pick up right where she left off. The Trojans have a superstar on the roster, but they will have to figure things out without her on the court.
