JuJu Watkins Makes Triumphant Return After 588-Day Absence
LOS ANGELES — JuJu Watkins is back. The USC star guard played her first official game in 588 days on Monday, scoring 21 points in 25 minutes as the Trojans dominated UNLV 100-68 in their season opener at T-Mobile Arena. It was Watkins' first game since tearing her ACL in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, a injury that sidelined her for the entire 2025-26 season.
Watkins, the 2024-25 Naismith National Player of the Year, showed no signs of rust in her return. She set her ego aside to let freshmen Jazzy Davidson and Saniyah Hall showcase their talents, a sign of maturity that has impressed observers. "She's even more explosive," ESPN reported, citing sources close to the program. The Trojans, ranked No. 3 in the preseason polls, are now legitimate national championship contenders.
A Comeback 19 Months in the Making
The road back was arduous. Watkins suffered the injury in March 2025, just days before being named the consensus national player of the year. She redshirted last season as USC struggled to an 18-14 record and a second-round NCAA tournament exit. Now, with Watkins back, expectations have soared. USC hasn't won a women's basketball national championship since 1984, and Watkins has felt the weight of ending that drought since arriving as the nation's top recruit.
National Title Talk and a "Fake One" Jab
The return has reignited championship predictions. On the Post Moves podcast, WNBA legend Candace Parker picked USC to win the women's national championship, prompting co-host Aliyah Boston — whose South Carolina Gamecocks also claim the "USC" abbreviation — to quip, "The fake one?" The exchange highlighted the long-running debate over which school is the "real USC." South Carolina beat Southern California twice last season, including a 101-61 rout in the NCAA second round, though Watkins missed both games due to injury. Boston later clarified the jab was in good humor, having previously supported Watkins after her injury.
Parker's pick reflects growing confidence in the Trojans. "JuJu has her eyes set on a national championship to be one of the greats," Parker said. "That's what you got to do. You got to win." The Trojans' path won't be easy, with South Carolina, UConn, and LSU among the favorites, but Watkins' return has made USC a must-watch team.
WNBA Draft Looms Large
Beyond this season, Watkins' future hangs over the 2027 WNBA draft. She is eligible to declare after her senior year but could return for an extra season of eligibility if she doesn't feel ready. Her decision will shape the draft landscape, but as High Post Hoops argues, it shouldn't overshadow other elite prospects. Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo has been dominant early this season, averaging 29.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 6.5 steals per game. Hidalgo, who led the Fighting Irish to a shock Elite Eight upset over Vanderbilt in 2025, deserves to be evaluated on her own merits, not in the shadow of Watkins' choice.
A Two-Player Race for No. 1?
WNBA scouts are already buzzing about a potential rivalry between Watkins and Hidalgo. While Watkins is the more hyped prospect, Hidalgo's relentless two-way play has forced her into the conversation. The 2027 draft class could be one of the deepest in recent memory, with both guards capable of transforming a franchise. For now, Watkins is focused on the present — and on bringing a championship back to Los Angeles.
Broader Implications
Watkins' return is a boon for women's college basketball, which has seen rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese elevate the sport's profile. Her comeback story — from a devastating injury to national player of the year and now title contender — adds another compelling narrative. It also raises questions about player workload and injury prevention, especially for young stars who carry enormous expectations. As Watkins navigates her senior season, her health and happiness will be paramount, both for USC's title hopes and for her professional future.
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