JuJu Watkins driven to return and dominate like Kobe Bryant after ACL injury

USC star JuJu Watkins suffered a horrific ACL tear in her right knee during the second round of NCAA March Madness.

JuJu Watkins driven to return and dominate like Kobe Bryant after ACL injury

JuJu Watkins channeling her inner Kobe Bryant while recovering from ACL injury

USC star JuJu Watkins had a goal in her mind before the recently concluded NCAA season started. That was to win the national championship with a team that had pieces across the table. But her goal fell short when she was taken to the medical room during their second-round matchup.

She was driving to the basket when she felt a strong pain in her right knee. The 19-year-old collapsed to the ground and was writhing in pain. That pain was strong enough that USC staff had to carry her to the medical room.

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Soon it became clear that she tore her ACL. Such an injury requires the athlete in question to completely stop all physical activities for a lengthy period of time. The recovery and rehabilitation dictate how the athlete can return to playing competitive sports again.

In the case of Watkins, many are wondering if a lengthy recovery schedule forces her to redshirt the upcoming season. If that happens, USC can forget about competing for the national championship. But veteran coach Phil Handy has been in conversations with the college star and he had this to say about her mindset.

The couple days for her were really tough, just from a mental standpoint. I had a chance to talk with her a number of times. We went to lunch, and she’s on the other side of that now. She’s like, ‘Phil, man I’m ready. I’m gonna come back stronger’.

Phil Handy said

The longtime trainer was revealing this to All the Smoke host Matt Barnes. On hearing that the USC star was focused on learning the mental and IQ side of basketball, it reminded Barnes of his former teammate Kobe Bryant. Barnes and Handy agree her mindset currently is similar to Bryant’s.

Redshirting next season could give JuJu Watkins time to develop

JuJu Watkins will turn twenty later this year. She will be a Junior if she returns next season. This means, in 2027, she will be eligible for the WNBA draft. However, there is a chance that she can throw that possibility out of the window.

If the California native is thinking about all the things Phil Handy mentioned, she could be drawn to the possibility of redshirting next season. Several USC stars have either left for the WNBA draft or entered the transfer portal.

Considering how many five-star players are leaving, Watkins might as well think of resting her body. It could help her recovery, and she can work with top trainers to improve strength in her knee and other parts of her body.

Along with that, she can sit on the sidelines and learn the nuances of the game. She has been playing basketball non-stop since she was a child. With some time off, she could learn the game and then decide to return for the 2026-27 season.

Watkins could return in time to continue USC career

Kobe Bryant never wanted to sit on the sidelines. If JuJu Watkins channels that part of the Black Mamba’s mindset, she could be back playing next season. The college basketball season starts in late October or early November.

That means, including training camp dates, USC will start preparations in late September or early October. If the California native can stay true to her recovery timetable, she should be just in time to return. Naturally, she cannot go out and play 30+ minutes immediately.

But if her coaches bring her in gradually, the 6′ 2″ guard should see her minutes increase over time. She should be hitting full stride by November end or early December. Then she can continue where she left and maybe play even better once she has absorbed all the lessons she has learnt during recovery.