LOS ANGELES — For 588 days, JuJu Watkins waited for the opportunity to do what she loves most: play basketball. On Monday night, that wait finally ended. The USC superstar made her long-awaited return to the hardwood, scoring 21 points as the No. 3-ranked Trojans dominated UNLV 100-68 in their season opener.
But the most memorable moment of the evening didn’t come from one of Watkins’ baskets or the Trojans’ commanding victory. It came afterward. During her postgame interview with CBS, Watkins became visibly emotional while reflecting on the difficult journey that brought her back to the court.
For one of the most recognizable players in women’s college basketball, the moment represented far more than another successful performance. It was the culmination of months of rehabilitation, perseverance and determination following a devastating knee injury that threatened to interrupt her remarkable collegiate career.
588 Days Away From the Game She Loves
Watkins’ basketball journey took an unexpected turn during the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament when she suffered a torn ACL. The injury brought her season to an abrupt end and forced her to miss the entire 2025-26 campaign.
For a player who had established herself as one of the nation’s premier offensive talents, the setback was significant. Watkins had become the face of USC women’s basketball, drawing national attention through her scoring ability, competitiveness and star power.
But instead of continuing to build on that momentum, she was forced to watch from the sidelines while beginning the lengthy process of recovering from one of basketball’s most challenging injuries.
The road back required patience, physical rehabilitation and mental toughness. There were no guarantees that everything would immediately feel the same when she returned. Yet Watkins remained committed to getting back on the court. Monday night, that commitment paid off.
Watkins Delivers 21 Points in Her Return
Despite being away from competitive basketball for 588 days, Watkins wasted little time reminding fans why she remains one of the most talented players in the country.
In 25 minutes of action against UNLV, Watkins finished with:
- 21 points
- 5 rebounds
- 2 assists
- 2 steals
- 9-of-22 shooting from the field
- 3-of-4 shooting from the free-throw line
Her performance provided an encouraging first step as she works toward regaining the form that made her one of college basketball’s biggest stars.
Although her shooting efficiency reflected some of the challenges that can accompany a lengthy absence, Watkins demonstrated her ability to remain aggressive offensively and contribute across multiple areas of the game.
More importantly, she was back competing alongside her teammates. For Watkins, that opportunity carried tremendous personal significance.
‘There Were Days Where I Could Have Given Up’
Following the victory, Watkins spoke about what it meant to return to the court after such a difficult rehabilitation process.
“It was great to just be out there with my team again, and to see the first one fall through. It really helped. So yeah, just grateful to be out here today,” Watkins said during the CBS broadcast.
But it was her reflection on the difficult days of recovery that revealed the emotional weight of her comeback.
“I’m most proud of just my consistency. Like there were days where I could have given up, and so I kept pushing through. And I’m just grateful that I’m here.”
Those words offered a glimpse into the challenges Watkins experienced away from the cameras and national spotlight. For athletes recovering from serious injuries, the physical demands are only part of the battle.
There are also moments of uncertainty, frustration and the mental challenge of remaining committed to a rehabilitation process that can feel endless. Watkins’ emotional response illustrated just how much she had invested in reaching this moment. After nearly 20 months away from competition, she finally had the opportunity to experience the game again.
USC Shows Its Championship Potential
While Watkins’ return dominated the headlines, USC’s 100-68 victory also demonstrated the depth of a roster with national championship aspirations. Five Trojans scored in double figures, providing a balanced offensive performance that overwhelmed UNLV.
Jazz Davidson led USC with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, connecting on an impressive 10 of her 11 field-goal attempts. Saniyah Hall added 22 points and seven rebounds, while Kennedy Smith contributed 12 points and four steals.
Sitaya Fagan rounded out the double-digit scorers with 11 points and three assists. The offensive balance was particularly encouraging for USC. With Watkins returning from a major injury, the Trojans won’t have to rely exclusively on their superstar to carry the scoring load.
Davidson, Hall and the rest of USC’s supporting cast demonstrated that the program possesses multiple offensive threats capable of making significant contributions. That depth could prove especially valuable as Watkins continues rebuilding her game conditioning and rhythm.
For a team entering the season ranked No. 3 nationally, Monday’s performance offered an early glimpse of its potential.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
