JuJu Watkins’ absence felt as March Madness adjusts to life without superstar
SPOKANE, Wash. — JuJu Watkins’ absence looms large in Spokane, where eight of the remaining 16 teams, including USC, are gathering this week for the next round of the NCAA Tournament.
Watkins tore her anterior cruciate ligament Monday night in the first quarter of USC’s second-round win against Mississippi State when driving toward the basket on a fast break.
The season-ending injury wasn’t the result of a malicious attack, but rather a basketball play gone wrong.
“It’s very unfortunate, you don’t want things to happen like that to great players, or any player, in that matter,” N.C. State guard Madison Hayes said after practice Thursday. “We’re sorry about that. Nothing that — she could have done nothing to prevent that. I feel like Mississippi State didn’t do anything as well.”
Watkins will undergo surgery before embarking on a lengthy rehabilitation journey.
ACL tears usually take anywhere from nine to 12 months to heal, barring any unforeseen setbacks.
That could mean Watkins, one of the faces of college basketball, may be sidelined for all of next season.
There has been an outpouring of support for Watkins this week.
Celebrities and fellow athletes sent her well wishes on social media.
Players and coaches in Spokane joined the chorus.
“We’re definitely sending our prayers out to JuJu and the entire USC community, university,” Ole Miss forward Madison Scott said. “She’s a great player. Playing against a player like that makes you better. So, she’s a great player, great leader, and a great influence in the women’s game.”
USC’s top rival is even rooting for Watkins.
“I watched it live and it was so hard to watch,” Bruins center Lauren Betts said. “I feel so sorry for her, and I feel bad for that team and that program, to be honest. I know she’s such a crucial part of that program, and I feel for her as a person. I know that’s not something that’s easy to come back from, but I know she’s going to be OK.”
With Watkins as the lead, USC topped UCLA twice in the regular season to become outright Big Ten champions, and the Trojans seemed poised for a deep NCAA Tournament run.
Her injury, though, complicates the Trojans’ path moving forward.
Top-seeded USC is scheduled to practice at Spokane Arena on Friday afternoon ahead of a Sweet 16 matchup against fifth-seeded Kansas State Saturday.
The winner of that game will face the winner of UConn-Oklahoma on Monday for a shot at a Final Four berth.
Watkins’ injury also eliminates the possibility of an Elite Eight rematch against UConn star Paige Bueckers.
Watkins had a game-high 25 points in USC’s 72-70 win in Hartford, Conn., on Dec. 21.
Bueckers finished with 21 points.
In two years, and at only 19 years old, Watkins has already made an immense impact on the game.
“She’s been wonderful and sort of taking the mantle and really being the face of women’s basketball,” UCLA coach Cori Close said. “She’s really continued to be a reason why we’re continuing to push the sport forward.”
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