NCAA women’s basketball 2025 : Southern California Trojans star JuJu Watkins has announced she will not participate in the 2025-26 women’s college basketball season to focus on her recovery from a significant knee injury. Watkins shared the update on Sunday evening through her Instagram story and an official USC press release, explaining her decision to take the season off under medical advice.
JuJu Watkins’ Injury and Recovery Journey
Watkins suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee during a second-round NCAA Tournament game against Mississippi State on March 5, 2025. The injury happened during a fast break when she planted her foot awkwardly while trying to move around a defender, causing her knee to give way and abruptly ending her postseason.
Since the injury, JuJu has undergone surgery to repair her ACL and has been focused on rehabilitation. She shared, “The journey to recover from this injury has been quite tough,” expressing gratitude for the love and support she received. Watkins mentioned her determination to follow her doctors’ and trainers’ advice fully to ensure a complete and healthy return to basketball.
Impressive Past Season and Career Stats
Before the injury, JuJu Watkins had an outstanding season with the USC Trojans. She won major accolades including the prestigious Women’s Wooden Award and made history as the first Division 1 player in two decades to record at least 35 points, five blocks, and five assists in a single game.
Watkins ranks among USC’s all-time greats, holding the ninth spot for total scoring with 1,709 points. She is also sixth in free throws made with 459 and tenth in blocks with 114. Her performance and leadership on the court have been an integral part of the Trojans’ success.
USC Coach Supports JuJu’s Decision
- USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb fully supports Watkins’ choice to sit out the 2025-26 season
- to focus on healing, emphasizing that JuJu’s health and well-being are the top
- priorities. Gottlieb stated, “While we will certainly miss her contributions on the court,
- she remains an essential leader and teammate within our program.” The team and fans
- will be eagerly awaiting her return once she has fully recovered.
What is the Typical Recovery Time for an ACL Tear?
- Recovery from an ACL tear typically ranges from nine months to a year, depending
- on the individual’s rehabilitation progress and overall health. The physical therapy
- and conditioning process is crucial for athletes to regain strength, stability,
- and confidence before returning to competitive play.
Although no exact timeline for JuJu’s recovery has been disclosed, expert guidance suggests this long recovery period is standard. This cautious approach will maximize her chances of a successful comeback without risking reinjury.
Eligibility and Future WNBA Prospects
There has been speculation about JuJu Watkins’ eligibility for the WNBA draft. According to current WNBA regulations, domestic draft candidates must be at least 22 years old during the draft year and have no remaining college eligibility or must renounce it.
- JuJu is expected to use the 2025-26 season as a redshirt year due to her injury
- which means she will preserve two more years of college eligibility after recovery.
- This delay pushes her WNBA draft eligibility to 2027, giving her ample
- time to return to full form and prove her talent.
Despite concerns about her ACL injury, history shows such injuries do not necessarily hinder top prospects. For instance, Paige Bueckers was selected as the number one overall pick in the 2025 draft despite a previous ACL injury, demonstrating that teams value potential and skill alongside medical recovery.
USC Women’s Basketball Season Start
The USC Trojans are set to begin their 2025-26 season at home against New Mexico State on November 4. While JuJu Watkins won’t be on the court this season, the team remains motivated and hopeful for strong performances with her leadership spirit continuing off the court.
