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JuJu Watkins is one of the most electrifying talents in college basketball.
Around this time last year, Watkins' dominance had the Trojans heading toward a potential Final Four run. But a torn ACL in the second round forced Watkins to miss the rest of the tournament, and the Trojans fell to eventual champion UConn in the Elite Eight.
USC is back in the NCAA Tournament as a No. 9 seed. Jazzy Davidson has been the driving force as she leads the Trojans in points (17.6), rebounds (5.7), assists (4.2), steals (2) and blocks (2).
So, with just under a year removed from Watkins' injury, will she return for the Trojans during March Madness?
The answer is no. Watkins announced in September she'd be sitting out the entire season to focus on making a full recovery.
"JuJu's health and well-being are our top priority, and we fully support her decision to focus on recovery this season," USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said in a statement at the time. "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."
With Watkins sidelined, the Trojans start March Madness against No. 8 seed Clemson on Saturday.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Is JuJu Watkins playing in 2026 March Madness?
Continue reading...
Around this time last year, Watkins' dominance had the Trojans heading toward a potential Final Four run. But a torn ACL in the second round forced Watkins to miss the rest of the tournament, and the Trojans fell to eventual champion UConn in the Elite Eight.
USC is back in the NCAA Tournament as a No. 9 seed. Jazzy Davidson has been the driving force as she leads the Trojans in points (17.6), rebounds (5.7), assists (4.2), steals (2) and blocks (2).
So, with just under a year removed from Watkins' injury, will she return for the Trojans during March Madness?
The answer is no. Watkins announced in September she'd be sitting out the entire season to focus on making a full recovery.
"JuJu's health and well-being are our top priority, and we fully support her decision to focus on recovery this season," USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said in a statement at the time. "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."
With Watkins sidelined, the Trojans start March Madness against No. 8 seed Clemson on Saturday.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Is JuJu Watkins playing in 2026 March Madness?
Continue reading...
