The recovery from a knee injury is a lone journey for any young athlete. However, JuJu Watkins found comfort in the community of women's basketball. 

During a USC media availability session on June 29, 2026, Watkins spoke about her recovery process after returning to full practice. A video clip from the media session was shared on X by Just For Show Sports. 

She credited the women's basketball community before pointing out one specific superstar who kept her motivated. "Paige was like a big person for me. She was constantly checking up on me. Send me texts, just encouraging me, so I really appreciated that."

Watkins then added that almost every person in the WNBA world who had gone through a similar experience reached out to show her love.

Bueckers kept reaching out throughout Watkins' recovery. Even though the two players were rivals on the court representing USC and UConn, they shared an off-court respect that connected them.

The injury happened on March 24, 2025, during the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament when USC played Mississippi State. Watkins drove toward the basket in the 1st quarter, planted her foot, and felt her right knee buckle. 

The diagnosis was a torn ACL, which pushed her to miss the remainder of that tournament and the entire 2025-26 college season. Her return to full practice in late June was met with praise from USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb. 

The shared experience of overcoming a severe knee injury created a natural bond of mentorship between the two players.

Why Paige Bueckers Understood JuJu Watkins' Recovery Better Than Most

Bueckers knew what Watkins was dealing with because of her own history with the same injury.

According to official reports from uconnhuskies.com, Bueckers tore her left ACL in August 2022 during a pick-up game and missed the entire 2022-23 season at UConn. 

She spent over a year working her way back to the court before turning pro and becoming a star for the Dallas Wings.

Because of that personal battle, Bueckers could offer practical advice about the mental challenges that come with a long layoff.

She has spoken in the past about the patience needed when your body will not let you perform at an elite level. 

Seeing Bueckers successfully return to peak performance gave Watkins an example that a full recovery was achievable.

Watkins is now set to make her official return to the court during the 2026-27 NCAA season, which will start in early November. 

Share your thoughts on Watkins' upcoming return this November. 

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Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Utsav Sinha