- USC guard JuJu Watkins has started light basketball workouts while rehabbing an ACL tear suffered in March.
- Watkins attended Team USA senior training camp at Duke to learn from elite players despite not participating on-court.
- She says the mental side of recovery has been the hardest, while she works on shooting, ball-handling and confidence.
JuJu Watkins begins light on-court work after ACL tear
USC guard JuJu Watkins — the reigning Wooden Award winner who tore her ACL during March Madness — has taken an encouraging step in her recovery, returning to the court for light workouts. Watkins said she has started picking up the ball more and doing shooting and handling drills as part of a careful rehab progression.
Learning while sidelined: Team USA camp experience
Watkins earned an invite to USA Basketball’s senior training camp and attended the sessions at Duke University even though she could not participate in on-court activities. She described the experience as valuable, saying she soaked up the environment, leadership and communication from professional players and coaches.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to be in this atmosphere, so to live out those dreams, even though it looks different, I’m still blessed to be here,” Watkins said. She added that being around elite players “brings up your standards” and that she plans to take lessons back to USC to grow as a leader and player.
Mental recovery is the toughest part
While the physical milestones — regaining range of motion, shooting and dribbling — are progressing, Watkins emphasized the mental challenge of returning from a significant injury. “Getting over that mental curve has been the biggest thing,” she said, acknowledging the work required to restore confidence in game movements and contact situations.
Her comments reflect a common theme among athletes recovering from ACL injuries: rebuilding trust in the knee and overcoming fear of re-injury. Watkins’ approach combines physical therapy, controlled skill work and exposure to high-level basketball settings to maintain competitive focus.
Outlook and next steps
Watkins’ presence at the Team USA camp, even in a limited role, signals that she remains on the radar for international competition and professional-level opportunities. Though she could not take court reps with the potential 2026 FIBA World Cup roster, the experience allowed her to study team dynamics and leadership at close range.
At USC, Watkins is expected to continue a measured rehab timeline under the guidance of team medical staff and trainers. The focus will remain on incremental progress: controlled ball work, increased conditioning, and mental preparedness before full-contact play resumes.
Why this matters
Watkins is one of college basketball’s top prospects and a recent Wooden Award winner. Her recovery and eventual return will be closely watched by USC fans, WNBA scouts and Team USA selectors. Her early steps back on the court and the lessons she’s taking from elite teammates point to a carefully managed comeback that prioritizes long-term health and performance.
Sources: Quotes and updates from Watkins’ recent interviews and coverage of the Team USA senior training camp.
Image Referance: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/usc-women-basketball-news-juju-160433426.html