USC Basketball: JuJu Watkins Returns for Title Run

JuJu Watkins is back on the court for Southern California, ending a yearlong absence caused by a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The guard missed the entire 2025 season while rehabbing the injury she sustained in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Her return coincides with a high-stakes campaign for the Trojans, who are ranked third in the country.

USC is chasing its first national title since 1984. Watkins, who averaged 25.6 points per game over her first two seasons, anchors a roster that includes Big Ten Freshman of the Year Jazzy Davidson. Davidson averaged 17.9 points last season and led the team in rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. The duo has built chemistry during Watkins' recovery, with the senior guard often seen encouraging Davidson from the sideline.

Watkins played 22 minutes in a recent exhibition game against California, scoring 18 points. She is not alone in the backcourt. Guard Saniyah Hall contributed 23 points, six rebounds, and five steals in that same matchup. The roster also features forward Sara Okeke, one of three five-star recruits who joined the program this offseason.

Coach Lindsay Gottlieb said the new players have proven they can impact games at a high level. Watkins has been named the Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year. She described her approach to the season as a focus on staying true to her game and peaking at the right time.

"I'm definitely a smarter player coming back," Watkins said. "I know more about the different reads and was able to study a lot and assert myself in different situations when I wasn't playing."

During her time away from the lineup, Watkins took on leadership roles within the locker room. She noted that she helped set up chairs for team meetings on the road. This shift in responsibility helped her view the game from a different angle and develop her basketball intelligence.

The Trojans open their season on Monday in Las Vegas against UNLV in the Hall of Fame Series. Their schedule includes a visit to top-ranked South Carolina on Nov. 15. They will also face No. 13 Notre Dame and No. 4 Duke in the Players Era Showcase in Las Vegas in mid-December.

Associate head coach Beth Burns warned that the team faces tough opponents early on. She described the challenge as getting hit in the mouth and said the team intends to bite back. Burns highlighted Watkins' work ethic as a key factor in the team's outlook.

"Her choice is to be elite in every facet in her life," Burns said. Watkins credited a class taught by former football coach Pete Carroll at USC's Marshall School of Business for reinforcing her competitive mindset. She said she has not lost her confidence or attention to detail during her time off.

Watkins said she has dreamed about scoring her first basket of the season. She described the anticipation of returning as a positive force, noting that she wants to enjoy the process. The Trojans begin their push for the national championship with their opener against UNLV.