JuJu Watkins is officially back on the court, scoring her first basket of the 2026 WCBB season and immediately igniting USC’s national championship dreams. It has been 588 long days since she last played in the second round of the 2024-25 NCAA women’s tournament.
The Road Back From Injury
Watkins missed the entire 2025-26 season. She tore her ACL, sidelining her for what felt like forever. But in her return, she took it to the bucket strong to get that first score, showing everyone she is ready. We are talking about a player who, across her first two seasons, averaged a ridiculous 25.5 points, seven rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.7 blocks. Those are absurd numbers.
National Title Hopes and a WNBA Future
Getting a talent like Watkins back changes everything for USC. They are not just hoping for a good season, they are thinking national championship. And for good reason. Her return from a torn ACL means not only a huge boost for her college team, but also a clear path to being the top pick in the WNBA draft whenever she decides to go pro.
With Watkins back leading the charge, USC has their sights set on the biggest prize in college basketball. That is what her return means for this team, right now.
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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