JuJu Watkins To Miss 2025-26 Season: Here’s What To Know About Her Recovery – Blavity
JuJu Watkins will not compete in the upcoming 2025-26 season as she recovers from an ACL injury sustained earlier this year. The basketball player was injured in March during the 2025 NCAA Tournament. The news comes as the Trojans are set to open the season against New Mexico State on Nov. 4.
JuJu Watkins is focused on recovering after her ACL injury
“These last few months have been filled with a lot of healing, rest and reflection,” Watkins said in a Sunday press release. “Recovering from this injury hasn’t been easy, and I want to say thank you — your love, support and kind words have truly lifted me up during one of the most challenging times in my life. Because you’ve been with me every step of the way, I wanted you to hear it from me directly that, following the advice of my doctors and trainers, I will sit out this season and fully focus on continuing to recover so I can come back to the game I love.”
She added, “I’m incredibly thankful for my family, teammates, coaches, the USC training personnel, Jason, Shane and everyone who’s continued to support me every day through this journey. I’m excited to keep putting in work to come back even stronger.”
Watkins sustained a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee during a game against Mississippi State on March 24. She underwent surgery, and her postseason was cut short. Recovery times may vary, but it often requires nine months to a year of rehabilitation before returning to sports, according to USA Today.
Watkins wasn’t present on the court during the Trojans’ first official practice on Sept. 23. USC women’s basketball head coach Lindsay Gottlieb said earlier this month that recovery was “going great” but did not elaborate, according to CBS Sports. The 20-year-old received support from Gottlieb regarding her decision to focus on recovering from her injury.
“JuJu’s health and well-being are our top priority, and we fully support her decision to focus on recovery this season,” Gottlieb said. “While we will certainly miss her impact on the court, she continues to play a vital role in our program as a leader and teammate. The strength and maturity she has shown through this process is a reflection of who she is, and we know the Trojan Family will continue to rally behind her. We look forward to the day she returns to competition stronger than ever.”
JuJu Watkins is eyeing the 2027 WNBA draft
Watkins received several awards for her achievements during the 2024-25 season. She earned the Naismith Trophy, the John R. Wooden Award and The Athletic National Player of the Year. She averaged 23.9 points and 3.4 assists per game. Watkins also became the first Division 1 player to record at least 35 points, five blocks and five assists in a game in the past 20 years.
The junior is looking to join the WNBA in the 2027 draft as players must be at least 22 years old to be eligible for selection. Watkins previously said she would like the age limit to be lowered.
“I want to say personally I am enjoying my experience, Coach,” she said during an appearance on Good Game with Sarah Spain last year, according to CBS Sports. “I definitely think we should have the option. There’s just been such a growth in college basketball where it’s like, why would you want to leave? Because you’re able to have that experience and build your brand here in college as well. I would definitely say we should have the option but I think college is a way to prepare us for the pros as well. So, I don’t know. It’s a touchy subject, but I’m for it.”
Injured players have been drafted in the past. In the 2025 draft, Paige Bueckers was the No. 1 overall pick as she joined the Dallas Wings with an ACL injury. She had sustained a torn ACL in 2022 before returning to play for the University of Connecticut for two more seasons.
The post JuJu Watkins To Miss 2025-26 Season: Here’s What To Know About Her Recovery appeared first on Blavity.
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