JuJu Watkins throws effortless 3s after USC star heals from brutal ACL injury

A video of JuJu Watkins shooting 3s has emerged on social media, as she continues her rehabilitation journey after getting sidelined with an ACL injury. Shared by The Daily Women’s Sports from USC assistant coach Courtney Jaco’s Instagram story on Wednesday, it marks an improvement in her recovery.

It was announced prior to the start of this season that the junior guard would sit out the season. She had suffered a tear to her right ACL in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

“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 wrote on her Instagram story in late September.

JuJu Watkins averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.2 steals last season. She was named a first-team All-American and also bagged multiple player of the year awards.

The 20-year-old has been an important force on the USC team since enrolling in 2023, helping the team return to national relevance. She was instrumental to the Trojans’ Pac-12 tournament title in 2024 and led them to the 2025 Big Ten regular-season championship.

The team also earned consecutive No. 1 seeds in her first two seasons at the school, reaching the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. Watkins crossed the 1000-point mark in her first 38 games, tying for the fourth fastest to achieve the milestone in D1 history.

How has USC fared without JuJu Watkins?

USC struggled this season in Watkins’ absence. With one game remaining in the regular season, the Trojans are 17-11 on the season and 9-8 in conference play. With the 6’2” guard out for the season, USC has had to rely on freshman Jazzy Davidson to lead the team.

Davidson arrived as a five-star prospect out of high school, just like JuJu Watkins three years ago. However, she hasn’t replicated the junior guard’s level of influence, although she’s been very important for the team all season.

She leads the team in all five of the main statistical categories as she averages 18.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. She’s also averaging 2.0 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. With Watkins set to return to action next season, USC fans have a lot to look forward to.