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JuJu Watkins Returns to On‑Court Practice at USC

Return to full practice boosts USC’s title outlook with game availability still undecided.

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows USC Trojans player JuJu Watkins, wearing a number 12 jersey, smiling on the basketball court, Image 2 shows A USC Trojans player dribbling a basketball on a court, Image 3 shows Basketball player Juju Watkins lying on the court in pain, surrounded by teammates in yellow uniforms

Overview

  • Watkins resumed on‑court practice and scrimmaging in late June, more than 14 months after tearing her ACL in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
  • Coach Lindsay Gottlieb said Watkins is in the best shape of her career and appears stronger and faster, but the staff has not given a timeline for clearance to play in games.
  • Watkins said she feels “back like myself” and described regular support from peers such as Paige Bueckers during her long rehab.
  • Her return restores the expected Watkins‑Jazzy Davidson pairing and materially raises USC’s national title hopes after an 18‑14 season without her.
  • Medical context and team caution guide the rollout because typical ACL recoveries range from about eight to 12 months, so USC will monitor her progress before confirming game availability ahead of the Nov. 2 season opener.