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Alexa Philipou
USC star Juju Watkins 2025-26 colleges will sit out of the basketball season as it continues to recover from one Right ACL Tear She was suffering in the second round of the NCAA tournament, announced on Sunday.
Watkins posted on his Instagram story, “A lot of treatment, comfort and reflection in the last few months have been filled.” “It is not easy to overcome this injury, and I want to tell you thanks – your love, support and kind words have really lifted me during one of the most challenging times in my life.
“Because you are at every step with me, I wanted you to hear it directly from me that after the advice of my doctors and trainers, I will sit out of this season and focus on being completely cured so that I can come back to the game I love.”
Wattakes steals an average of 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 aids and 2.2, which won several player of the year awards and became the first-team all-American of the two. At the age of 20, he is already widely considered a top WNBA possibility.
“Juju’s health and welfare is our top priority this season,” USC coach Lindsay Gotlib said in a statement, and we fully support her decision to focus on recovery this season. ” “When we certainly remember his influence on the court, he continues to play an important role in our program as a leader and team partner. The strength and maturity he has shown through this process is a reflection that he is, and we know that the Trojan family will continue to rally behind him. We are ready for that day.”
The 6 -Foot -2 guard came back into the campus as soon as he came back into national relevance to his hometown Trojans. He took the USC to the 2024 PAC-12 tournament title and 2025 Big Ten Regular-Seasons Crown, Plus Back-to-Back No.1 Seeds and Elite Eleet Eight Finnish NCAA Tournament.
Watkins reached 1,000 career points in 38 matches, tied to the fourth fastest to reach the mark in the history of Division I.
The USC will not only deal with the absence of Watkins, but also reset after departure Kiki Irafen, Reh marshal And Talia von olhofen (Graduate) Plus Eventy And Kayle Halekel (Transfer). But Trojan number 1 will bring in recruitment Jasmine davidson To help soften the blow.
“I am excited to work to strengthen the work even more,” Watkins wrote.
