USC Guard JuJu Watkins Returns From Injury For 1984-Style Title Push
The No. 3 Trojans face UNLV in Las Vegas on Monday as Watkins seeks her first basket since tearing her ACL in 2025.
By Pedro Barnes ·
USC guard JuJu Watkins returned to action in October, ending a season-long absence caused by a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The Southern California star now joins a No. 3 ranked team that is chasing its first national title in over four decades. Her return provides a critical offensive spark for a squad that has not won a championship since 1984.
Watkins averaged 25.6 points per game across her first two seasons with the Trojans. She suffered the injury during the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Since then, she has watched her teammates compete from the sideline and locker room. Her first competitive appearance came in an exhibition game against California, where she scored 18 points in 22 minutes of play.
The guard will share backcourt duties with Jazzy Davidson, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Davidson averaged 17.9 points last season. The two built their on-court chemistry during Watkins' rehabilitation period. Davidson said she recognized Watkins' frustration and used that bond to strengthen their connection. "She saw me being hard on myself and I think she saw a little bit of her in me," Davidson said. "Being able to build the friendship that we were able to build, it’s a huge blessing."
Watkins described the emotional weight of her return. She said the anticipation has been intense every day. "I’ve had dreams about that every night," Watkins said. "I might shed a tear, honestly, I can’t lie. That’ll be a really amazing feeling for me." She aims to balance that intensity with a focus on enjoyment during the season.
The Trojans roster features additional depth in guard Saniyah Hall and forward Sara Okeke. Hall recorded 23 points, six rebounds, and five steals in the California exhibition. Okeke is one of three five-star recruits who joined the program this year. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb stated that these players have proven they can be impactful at a high level.
Watkins said her time away from the court allowed her to grow as a leader. She noted that she often set up chairs for team talks during road trips. "I was able to take on a leadership role for sure," Watkins said. "Seeing how can I help my team really helped grow my IQ and leadership skills."
The season begins on Monday in Las Vegas. USC will face UNLV in the Hall of Fame Series. The result will set the tone for a campaign that includes a deep bench and high national expectations.
