JuJu Watkins says she’s dreamed of her first basket since ACL injury as USC looks to end title drought
JuJu Watkins is returning to the court for USC after missing last season while recovering from a torn ACL. Her comeback strengthens the No. 3 Trojans as they seek their first national title since 1984, and Watkins says she has imagined the moment her first basket goes in.
Watkins scored 18 points in 22 minutes in an exhibition win over California. She will join Big Ten Freshman of the Year Jazzy Davidson, who averaged 17.9 points last season, alongside other highly rated teammates; USC opens its season against UNLV in Las Vegas on Monday.
In short
- Watkins returns after a torn ACL kept her out last season.
- USC is chasing its first national championship since 1984.
- She scored 18 points in 22 minutes in an exhibition.
Explained simply
USC’s women’s basketball team represents the University of Southern California in college competition. The team has won two national titles, most recently in 1984, and is trying to win another. It now competes in the Big Ten, a conference whose members include universities across the United States.
JuJu Watkins is a leading USC player who missed last season after tearing a knee ligament called the ACL. Her return adds experience to a team that also includes Jazzy Davidson, who was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year. The season’s results will show how USC’s returning and newer players perform together as they pursue a national title.