On Monday, JuJu Watkins collapsed in distress during the women’s March Madness tournament. The USC standout suffered a severe knee injury that left spectators at the Galen Center in shock. Notably, Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky was also present, watching the alarming situation unfold between USC and Mississippi State.
Reese quickly expressed her concern on her X account, offering supportive words for the Trojans star.
Prayers for Juju! 🥺🙏🏽
— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) March 25, 2025
Having played on the same stage as Watkins at LSU, Reese extended her support through prayers. The USC basketball prodigy has previously shown her admiration for Reese, naming her as her WNBA Rookie of the Year selection in 2024.
Watkins had already experienced an injury scare in her first tournament game against UNC Greensboro. However, she returned to play against Mississippi State. The WNBA star was among many online supporters offering encouragement to the Trojans basketball phenom.
Other notable reactions from Sky’s Angel Reese directed towards JuJu Watkins
Reese was not the only one expressing concern in the wake of Watkins’ grave knee injury.
Complex magazine also chimed in, sharing prayers on X and concluding their message with “hope she’s ok” as their final words.
Physical therapy expert Sebastian Fearon expressed concern for Watkins’ condition.
“Juju Watkins was carried off the court and didn’t attempt to put any weight on her leg. The immediate worry and worst-case scenario is an ACL tear,” Fearon tweeted. “It’s hard to imagine that there isn’t at least some knee ligament damage, but the best case would be a bone bruise (1-2 week recovery). A brutal blow to USC’s national title aspirations.”
Myron Medcalf, a college basketball reporter at ESPN, witnessed Watkins leaving the court while grimacing in pain.
“I’m really hoping this JuJu Watkins injury isn’t as bad as it looks. The whole crowd is in shock,” Medcalf shared online. “Her teammates appear bewildered. It happened during a fast break, and it just seemed like something serious occurred. I love this sport, but I hate to see moments like this.”
USC was leading 50-27 at halftime when Watkins departed the game, having only scored three points, leaving many to speculate about her future in the tournament.
Image Source: Angel Reese @ Instagram
