UConn Huskies head coach Geno Auriemma shared his thoughts on USC Trojans star JuJu Watkins suffering a torn ACL during the NCAA Tournament. The injury, which occurred in the first quarter of USC’s second-round game on March 24, is a major blow not just for Watkins and her team but for the tournament as a whole. Given her status as one of the sport’s biggest stars, her absence significantly impacts the competition.
Geno said he talked to USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb on the night of JuJu Watkins’ injury.
“I feel terrible for JuJu personally knowing the players I’ve had that had to go through that…The USC kids will probably rise to the occasion and play amazing like they did the other night.”
— Daniel Connolly (@DanielVConnolly) March 28, 2025
Watkins’ recovery is expected to take 9 to 14 months post-surgery, meaning she likely won’t return to full strength until late 2025 or early 2026. Her injury also altered what could have been a marquee Elite Eight showdown between USC and UConn, provided both teams advanced past the Sweet Sixteen on March 29.
Speaking with the media on Friday, Auriemma expressed sympathy for Watkins, drawing from his experience coaching players who have faced similar challenges. “I feel terrible for JuJu personally, knowing the players I’ve had that had to go through that,” he said, according to Daniel Connolly of ‘UConn WBB Weekly’. He also acknowledged the tournament-wide impact of her injury, emphasizing her star power and USC’s ability to step up in adversity.
Auriemma has firsthand experience dealing with ACL injuries, as UConn standouts Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd have both suffered similar setbacks. With that in mind, he understands the physical and mental toll such an injury takes. The hope now is that Watkins can recover fully and return to the court stronger than ever.
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