JuJu Watkins Suffers ACL Tear: A Major Setback for USC and Women’s College Basketball
In a heartbreaking development for USC and women’s college basketball fans everywhere, freshman phenom JuJu Watkins has been diagnosed with a torn ACL. The injury occurred during a fast-break drive where Watkins planted her leg awkwardly, immediately collapsing to the floor in visible pain. Initial hopes for a minor strain quickly faded after MRI results confirmed a full ACL tear.
Watkins has been nothing short of spectacular this season, averaging over 25 points per game and quickly becoming one of the most electrifying players in the country. Her combination of size, skill, and poise had many projecting her as a future face of women’s basketball — not just at USC, but beyond. This injury will force her to miss the remainder of the season, delivering a huge blow to USC’s tournament hopes and adding a significant question mark to her timeline for return. While fans can expect to see her back on the court, the road ahead will demand resilience, patience, and intense rehabilitation.
What Is an ACL Tear?
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is one of four key ligaments that stabilize the knee. It runs diagonally through the middle of the knee, preventing the tibia (shinbone) from sliding out in front of the femur (thighbone) and providing rotational stability. In sports that require cutting, pivoting, and sudden stops — like basketball — the ACL is especially vulnerable.
A tear usually happens when an athlete makes a sharp turn, lands awkwardly, or absorbs a sudden impact that causes excessive twisting. Common symptoms include a popping sensation, rapid swelling, severe pain, and knee instability.
Treatment for a complete ACL tear almost always involves reconstructive surgery using a graft (either from the patient’s own tissue or a donor), followed by months of structured physical therapy. The rehab process is long and often difficult, focusing on restoring range of motion, building strength, and gradually returning to sport-specific movements. Recovery timelines for elite athletes typically range from 9 to 12 months.
For JuJu Watkins, this setback is significant — but modern medicine and her elite athletic drive give every reason to believe she’ll return stronger. Her talent, combined with her determination, could turn this injury into just another chapter in what promises to be a remarkable career.