USC senior guard JuJu Watkins dropped 18 points in only 22 minutes during Sunday’s 78-76 exhibition win over California, a stunning return after missing an entire season with a torn ACL. This wasn’t just a quiet comeback; it was a statement. Watkins, the 2025 national player of the year, didn’t miss a beat, and her performance immediately puts the entire league on notice.
“Everything Is the Same”: The Unshakeable Confidence of a Superstar
After an injury that would sideline most players for good, Watkins is coming back with a level of confidence that is absolutely wild. “Coming back, I haven’t lost my confidence, I haven’t lost my attention to detail,” the senior guard told Beth Harris of the Associated Press. “Everything is the same, it’s just I’ve been out for a minute.” That’s the kind of quote that sends chills down your spine if you’re a competitor. It’s a mentality that echoes former UConn star Paige Bueckers, who was a two-time All-American after her own ACL tear in 2022 and then was instrumental in the Huskies’ 2025 national championship. Watkins could easily be just as sharp as she was before her injury, and her return against California certainly suggests it.
A New Offensive Juggernaut Is Forming
Watkins’ stat line on Sunday, 18 points on 6-of-14 shooting in just 22 minutes, tells you she’s back to her scoring ways. But here’s the kicker: she might not even have to shoulder the insane offensive burden she did before. As a true freshman, Watkins, the 6’2″ playmaker, led Division I in usage rate at a staggering 42.7 percent, per Sports Reference. That number dipped but was still high at 32.8 percent in 2024-25. Now, things are different. Watkins gets to play alongside Jazzy Davidson, who led the Trojans in the five main statistical categories just last season. Plus, five-star recruit Saniyah Hall could make a massive impact right away; she led the team with 23 points in Sunday’s exhibition. This means Watkins can pick her spots, play off her teammates, and still be devastatingly effective.
The Ceiling Is Non-Existent for USC
When Watkins says “there’s no ceiling” to what USC can achieve, she’s not just talking trash. The Trojans are already ranked third in the preseason AP Top 25, sitting right behind powerhouses South Carolina and UConn. The talent on this team extends way beyond just Watkins, but there’s no doubt she will play a massive role in whether USC can make a deep tournament run this coming spring. After seeing her confidently step back onto the court and drop 18 points after a full season off, it’s hard to bet against her or this USC squad.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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