USC Star JuJu Watkins Seen Shooting 1 Year After ACL Injury

Watkins is working her way back from a torn ACL suffered during the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the shooting motion of a basketball player, with the player's features dissolving into abstract brushstrokes.A year after suffering a devastating ACL injury, USC star JuJu Watkins is inching closer to a triumphant return to the court.Phoenix Today

USC women's basketball star JuJu Watkins, who suffered a torn ACL during the 2025 NCAA Tournament, was spotted shooting at a Team USA training camp in Phoenix, Arizona this week. Watkins, who sat out the entire 2025-26 season to focus on her recovery, said she's 'maybe a couple more months' away from fully participating in practice and will be ready for next season.

Why it matters

Watkins is one of the biggest stars in women's college basketball, winning Big Ten Player of the Year and AP Player of the Year honors in 2024-25 before her injury. Her return to the court will be a major boost for the USC Trojans as they look to build on their NCAA Tournament appearance this past season.

The details

Watkins suffered the torn ACL during the 2025 NCAA Tournament on March 24, 2025. Last September, she announced plans to sit out the entire 2025-26 season to focus on her recovery. This week, Watkins was seen shooting at a Team USA training camp in Phoenix, Arizona, with videos posted by ESPN's Kareem Copeland and ClutchPoints' David Mendez-Yapkowitz. Watkins told reporters she thinks she's 'maybe a couple more months' away from fully participating in practice, but said 'I'll be ready for next season, so that's all that matters.'

  • Watkins suffered the torn ACL on March 24, 2025 during the NCAA Tournament.
  • In September 2025, Watkins announced plans to sit out the 2025-26 season.
  • This week, Watkins was seen shooting at a Team USA training camp in Phoenix, Arizona.

The players

JuJu Watkins

A star guard for the USC Trojans women's basketball team who suffered a torn ACL during the 2025 NCAA Tournament and sat out the 2025-26 season to focus on her recovery.

Jazzy Davidson

A freshman guard for the USC Trojans who won Big Ten Freshman of the Year and made women's NCAA Tournament history by posting 30/5/5 in USC's first-round win on March 21, 2026.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm just really having fun and enjoying time here.”

— JuJu Watkins

“I'll be ready for next season, so that's all that matters.”

— JuJu Watkins

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Watkins' return to the court will be a major boost for the USC Trojans as they look to build on their NCAA Tournament appearance this past season. Her recovery from a torn ACL is a testament to her dedication and the support of the USC program.