USC Star JuJu Watkins Will Miss All of Upcoming Season amid Ongoing Rehab for ACL Injury

JuJu Watkins is sitting out the upcoming basketball season.

The USC phenom shared the announcement on social media nearly six months after she suffered a torn ACL during March Madness.

“These last few months have been filled with a lot of healing, rest and reflection,” Watkins, 20, wrote on her Instagram Stories on Sunday, Sept. 28. “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.”

Watkins continued, “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.”

The basketball star tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a game against Mississippi State on March 24 in a development that “changed” the trajectory of the NCAA tournament, according to at least one broadcaster.

“I don’t think it’s hyperbolic to say this not only changed the tenor of this game, but potentially the tournament,” ESPN’s Elle Duncan told viewers at halftime of the game.

Watkins’ injury drew immediate concern and well wishes from her teammates — and WNBA stars including Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Aliyah Boston.

“Sending all my thoughts and prayers to JuJu,” Clark wrote at the time. “Kid will come back stronger than ever ❤️.”

“Prayers for Juju!” wrote Chicago Sky and former LSU star Reese.

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Watkins underwent surgery and is continuing to rehab her right knee, according to USA Today.

Meanwhile, the reigning Wooden Award and Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year remains optimistic about her return.

“I’m incredibly thankful for my family, teammates, coaches, the USC training personnel,” Watkins wrote. “I’m excited to keep putting the work in to come back even stronger.”