NCAAB News: USC coach shares massive JuJu Watkins injury update

The USC Trojans were so close to the ultimate glory this season, and we could’ve had the most anticipated matchup in women’s college basketball in the championship game.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible, as superstar guard JuJu Watkins tore her ACL in a second-round win over Mississippi State, putting an end to the dream of watching her and Paige Bueckers go toe-to-toe in the tournament.

The Trojans eventually lost to UConn in the Final Four, which was a predictable outcome without their best player. Fortunately, according to coach Lindsay Gottlieb, her star guard is doing just fine right now.

JuJu Watkins is ‘doing great,’ says coach

“She’s doing great,” Gottlieb told TMZ. “She’s doing great. She’s in focus mode, rehab mode.”

JuJu Watkins #12 of the USC Trojans

Even so, it’s hard to believe that Watkins will be able to suit up next season, as ACL injuries usually require one full year to recover, and she has a future in the WNBA to worry about.

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The Trojans also lost Rayah Marshall and Kiki Irafien to the 2025 WNBA Draft, so there will be plenty of holes to fill to get this team back to the mountaintop next season.