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2d ago

JuJu Watkins Begins Light On-Court Work, Observes Team USA Camp During ACL Rehab

The invitation is about early exposure to the senior program with an eye on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

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Mar 24, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lindsay Gottlieb talks to JuJu Watkins after the Trogans guard injured he knee in the first quarter of an NCAA Tournament second round game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Overview

  • About nine months after tearing the ACL in her right knee, the USC guard said she has resumed individual shooting and ball-handling drills.
  • At the Duke-hosted senior national team camp, she is not taking part in practices and is focusing on observing communication, leadership and routines.
  • Managing director Sue Bird and coach Kara Lawson said bringing her to camp was intentional to acclimate a likely future national-team contributor.
  • Watkins remains ruled out for the 2025–26 college season and briefly attended the camp Thursday and Friday before returning to Los Angeles for USC’s game against UConn.
  • She calls making the 2028 Olympic roster her “North Star,” has leaned on advice from Paige Bueckers during rehab, and could return to USC in 2026–27 with 2027 WNBA draft eligibility.