Injuries in sports have shaken up careers with players either never recovering from it or rising stronger than ever. Derrick Rose is a name that easily comes to mind when you think about the phrase: what could have been! Now, JuJu Watkins faces her own test. During USC’s March Madness clash against Mississippi State, she drove to the hoop when her right knee buckled. One second, she was sprinting. The next, she was on the ground. The stadium fell silent. Teammates and staff rushed over. It was every athlete’s worst nightmare.

And now, it’s official—Watkins has torn her ACL. The standout sophomore guard for USC is out for the season and will require surgery. She had to be carried off the court, unable to return. Despite everything, USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb believes in Watkins’ resilience, saying, “JuJu is a special player—unquestionably tough physically and mentally—and she is deeply loved by her team and her Trojan family.” It’s a devastating blow for USC, especially with the tournament still underway. Her absence leaves a massive void in their lineup. And while recovery is hard, NBA legend Kevin Garnett, has some words of advice for the young star.

Recently, Kevin Garnett addressed JuJu’s situation on his TICKET & THE TRUTH. He weighed in, drawing comparisons to Paige Bueckers. “I do say this because then I seen the young girl Paige Bueckers go through something like this, right?” he said. Bueckers, once seen as better than Caitlin Clark, had a similar injury. But according to Garnett, that setback made her stronger. “If you’re about to go through a walk of life, it’s going to make her not only stronger mentally, but it’s going to push her to another level.” He emphasized that injuries challenge confidence. The body heals, but the mind has to catch up.

Tony Allen, who knows this struggle firsthand, didn’t sugarcoat things. He acknowledged the severity of the injury, saying recovery takes time—sometimes over a year. “I still got a screw in my s—.” His words were blunt, but real. Many players never return the same, but for those who do, the experience shapes them into something greater. That’s why Garnett hopes Watkins reaches out to Bueckers—to learn from someone who’s been through it. Because in the end, overcoming an injury like this isn’t just about getting back on the court. It’s about proving to yourself that you still belong there.

What JuJu Watkins can learn from Paige Bueckers

Injuries can change everything in an instant. All the long preparations, the future plans, can come crashing down in a matter of minutes or even seconds. Especially if you are your team’s hope for the tournament! JuJu Watkins is living that nightmare right now. But one thing JuJu should remember is that she is not alone in her struggles. Many athletes have faced this situation and later turned it into a success story! Paige Bueckers has been through it, too. And if anyone knows what it takes to come back stronger, it’s her.

Back in 2021, Bueckers was unstoppable until a tibial plateau fracture and torn meniscus knocked her out for 19 games. Just when she was ready to put it behind her, another setback hit: an ACL tear in 2022. She missed an entire season. People questioned if she’d ever be the same. Would she ever dominate like before? Could she still be that player?

But Bueckers didn’t let doubt win. She attacked rehab with everything she had: stationary biking, hydrotherapy, even chair workouts, just to stay connected to the game. It took her 369 days, longer than most ACL recoveries, but when she returned, she returned! Now, she’s putting up around 19 points per game and leading UConn like she never left.

So, what does this mean for Watkins? It means setbacks don’t define you—how you respond does. Rehab isn’t just about fixing your knee; it’s about rebuilding confidence, staying mentally sharp, and trusting the process. Watkins’s journey isn’t over. If Bueckers’ story proves anything, it’s that comebacks can be even greater than the fall.