JuJu Watkins says she's dreamed of her first basket since ACL injury as USC looks to end title drought

USC star JuJu Watkins, recovering from a torn ACL, says she has visualized her first basket back for months, as the Trojans aim for their first national championship since 1986.

**Lead**

LOS ANGELES — JuJu Watkins, the electrifying sophomore guard for the University of Southern California women's basketball team, revealed on Wednesday that she has been dreaming of her first basket since suffering a season-ending ACL tear in March. Speaking to reporters at the Galen Center, Watkins said the moment she returns to the court — likely in the 2025-26 season — will be the culmination of months of grueling rehabilitation and mental preparation. The Trojans, who reached the Elite Eight last season without her, are now positioning themselves as serious contenders to end a 39-year national championship drought.

**Context**

Watkins, a 6-foot-2 guard from Los Angeles, was averaging 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game before she collapsed to the floor during USC's second-round NCAA tournament victory over Mississippi State on March 24, 2024. The diagnosis was a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee, an injury that sidelined her for the remainder of the tournament and forced her to watch from the bench as the Trojans fell to UConn in the Elite Eight.

The injury was a devastating blow not only to USC but to the entire women's college basketball landscape. Watkins had emerged as the sport's most dynamic young star, drawing comparisons to legends like Diana Taurasi and Maya Moore. Her absence was felt acutely in the postseason, where the Trojans struggled to generate consistent offense without her ability to create shots off the dribble.

USC's last national championship in women's basketball came in 1986, when Cheryl Miller led the Trojans to their second consecutive title. Since then, the program has experienced periods of mediocrity and resurgence, but never a return to the pinnacle of the sport. Watkins' arrival in 2023 signaled a new era, and her injury threatened to derail that momentum.

**Analysis**

Watkins' recovery timeline is on track, according to team sources. She has been cleared for light on-court work and is expected to be fully available for the start of the 2025-26 season. The sophomore emphasized that her mental approach has been as important as the physical rehab. "I've visualized that first basket a thousand times," she said. "It's going to be emotional, but I'm ready."

Her return is critical for USC's title aspirations. The Trojans have recruited well in her absence, adding a top-10 recruiting class that includes guards and forwards who can complement Watkins' scoring and playmaking. Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, who took over in 2021, has built a system that emphasizes pace and space — a style perfectly suited to Watkins' game.

However, the road to a championship runs through powerhouse programs like South Carolina, Stanford, and UConn, all of which have maintained elite status while USC rebuilds. The Trojans' Elite Eight run without Watkins demonstrated depth, but it also exposed a lack of a go-to scorer in crunch time. Watkins fills that void.

**Impact**

The broader significance of Watkins' return extends beyond USC. Women's college basketball is experiencing a surge in popularity, driven by stars like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese. Watkins represents the next wave of talent, and her comeback story could further elevate the sport's profile. The NCAA reported record viewership for the 2024 women's tournament, and the 2025 season is expected to draw even more attention as Watkins returns to the spotlight.

For USC, the stakes are clear. The program has invested heavily in facilities, coaching, and recruiting to compete at the highest level. A championship would validate that investment and restore the Trojans to the glory of the Miller era. Watkins, who grew up in Los Angeles watching USC games, understands the weight of that history. "I know what this program means to this city," she said. "I want to bring that trophy home."

**Sources**

- JuJu Watkins press conference at Galen Center, October 30, 2024. - USC Athletics official injury update, March 2024. - NCAA women's basketball tournament records, 2024. - Historical championship data, USC Sports Information.