College basketball lost one of its biggest talents for the season Monday night. USC star JuJu Watkins was carried off the court after sustaining a season-ending knee injury in a win over Mississippi State.
It’s a devastating injury for Watkins and USC, and completely changes the landscape of the NCAA tournament. Watkins is one of the biggest and brightest stars in the game. Behind her, USC stormed into March Madness as a No. 1 seed, and a major threat to win it all.
Watkins’ injury sent shockwaves through the entire sporting world Monday. After seeing Watkins get carried off the court, a number of athletes were quick to send Watkins their prayers.
WNBA stars Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Aliyah Boston were among the biggest names sending love to Watkins.
Sending all my thoughts and prayers to JuJu. Kid will come back stronger than ever ❤️
— Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) March 25, 2025
Prayers for Juju! 🥺🙏🏽
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) March 25, 2025
Prayers up🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Aliyah A. Boston (@aa_boston) March 25, 2025
Sayin a prayer for her NOW
— Sydney Colson (@SydJColson) March 25, 2025
I pray juju okay 🙏 hate to see it
— Flaujae 4️⃣ (@Flaujae) March 25, 2025
The messages didn’t stop with athletes. Commentators and analysts were also distraught about the injury.
“We’re just gonna address the elephant in the room, this totally sucks…I don’t think it’s hyperbolic to say this not only changed the tenor of this game but potentially the tournament.”
Elle Duncan on JuJu Watkins’ injury. https://t.co/Eu2rrJGBj8 pic.twitter.com/Dfd7SSCf62
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 25, 2025
Juju Watkins just got carried of the court in obvious pain.
Awful.
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) March 25, 2025
one of the brightest stars the game has ever seen… in a city known for making them.
sending Juju love 🤍🙏🏿
— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) March 25, 2025
Praying for good news and good health for JuJu Watkins🙏🏽
— Ros Gold-Onwude (@ROSGO21) March 25, 2025
Flea, the bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, also sent positive thoughts to Watkins. Flea is a massive Los Angeles sports fan, and enrolled at USC in 2008.
HEAL JUJU
— Flea (@flea333) March 25, 2025
It’s impossible to overstate how much Watkins’ injury impacts USC, which still dominated Mississippi State after the injury, winning 96-59. After one of the most dominant freshman seasons in the history of the sport, Watkins turned in similar numbers as a sophomore. She averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists for the Trojans.
That performance earned Watkins a spot on the Associated Press’ All-America team. Watkins was one of three players to be a unanimous selection to the team.
Since she is a sophomore, Watkins isn’t eligible for the 2025 WNBA Draft. She’ll spend the offseason rehabbing from the injury and return to USC when she’s ready.
If Monday’s reactions are any indication, Watkins’ return to action will be a must-see event.
