With 5:50 left in the first quarter of No. 3 USC’s season opener, JuJu Watkins made her first basket since March of 2025. The Trojans’ megastar made her return to the court in the team’s 100-68 win over UNLV at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“I think she physically looks great,” said USC Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb.
“It's just finding that rhythm.”
There was so much anticipation for this day, not just at USC, but in the women’s basketball world at large. Despite justifiably looking unlike herself in the first half, the rust seemed to shake off by the end of the 3rd quarter. It included a dazzling reverse layup fans are accustomed to seeing.
She finished with 21 points and 5 rebounds in 25 minutes of work. The casual observer would not have known Watkins hadn’t seen true competitive action in 19 months due to an ACL injury.
“I mean obviously we're still we're still putting a restriction on on Juju's minutes just in the wrap up,” Gottlieb explained. “She's only gonna continue to get better, and she hasn't played in a competitive environment like this (since her injury).”
Entering the game, Watkins was the major storyline. Once the ball tipped off, it was obvious she does not and will not have to do it all herself this season.
Reigning Big 10 Rookie Of The Year, Jazzy Davidson had 23 points, 5 boards and 4 assists. America’s number one recruit, Saniyah Hall, finished with 22 points and 7 rebounds in her Trojan debut.
“We have a lot of players that can do great things with the ball in their hands,” said Davidson.
“But also we have a whole lot of unselfish players as well. And I think everybody's willing to make that extra pass to get the best shot.”
While the arena wasn’t filled for a game in the middle of the afternoon on a Monday, there were plenty of Juju’s biggest supporters on hand. They came not only from the campus of USC, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, but from all over the country.
“I love her,” said Velen Castillo, who came all the way from El Paso, Texas. “I've been following her since she was a freshman. She got hurt, she sat out. But she's back. And here I am.”
Though, perhaps the most ardent fans in the house were the little girls who came to watch the return of their hero. There were youngsters in the crowd donning their buns atop their heads just like Watkins.
“She's a good inspiration for kids, and I've been learn a lot from her and offer skills she has,” 12 year old Chelsea Lynn said.
The impact off the court is evident. Watkins is a generational talent. On the court, Monday afternoon’s win was just one game in a marathon. A race USC hopes ends in early April. Though she is the main attraction, the LA native now has more help than ever to get her Trojans to glory.
“If we can stay committed to the process of getting better at both ends of the floor, I think, you know, good things are ahead,” Gottlieb said.
Juju Watkins was not made available to the media after the game.