On Monday night, USC women’s basketball dominated Mississippi State 96-59 to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. However, the biggest takeaway from the game was not the Trojans’ lopsided victory, but the injury to sophomore superstar Juju Watkins.
Around midway through the first quarter, Watkins went down hard on a foul and had to be carried off the floor. Following the game, doctors confirmed that the worst care scenario had come to pass: Watkins tore her ACL, and would need season-ending surgery.
Following the injury, many analysts, fans, and even rivals took to social media to lament what happened. Here is what some notable names had to say:
John Fanta, Fox Sports/NBC Sports/The Field of 68 college basketball analyst
“Prayers to JuJu Watkins. Really hope she is okay. One of the best superstars in the sport. She’s outstanding for the game in so many ways. Absolutely hate to see this.”
Myron Medcalf, ESPN college basketball analyst
“Really hoping this JuJu Watkins injury isn’t as bad as it looks. Whole crowd is stunned. Her teammates look lost. She was on a fast break and it just looked like something bad happened. Love this sport. Hate to see these moments.”
George Wrightster III, college football podcaster
“I could actually shed a tear. Saw this young lady every week through HS and she is a great person outside of basketball.”
Ramona Shelburne, ESPN senior writer
“This is heartbreaking.”
Dion Bailey, former USC safety/linebacker
“Not Ju!!!! Smh Dang!!!”
“SMFH Praying for a speedy recovery One of the most gifted hoopers we’ve seen.”
Barstool UCLA
“Prayers up for JuJu Watkins. Hate to see that regardless of our rivalry.”
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
