The Round of 32 game between USC and Mississippi State will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Boos echoed through the arena every time Mississippi State brought the ball up the court. But why? Early in the first quarter, JuJu Watkins sprinted down the court on a fast break, trying to weave past two defenders. The result? She went down, clutching her knee in pain, leaving the crowd stunned. “I’d be lying if I told you that I wasn’t rattled seeing JuJu on the floor crying,” said HC Lisa Gottlieb, recalling the incident.

JuJu Watkins never returned to the court after her injury, but her teammates stepped up and dominated the Bull Dogs, winning by 37 points. However, after the game, more devastating news struck Trojans fans. The star forward, who averaged nearly 24 points and 7 rebounds, was ruled out for the rest of the big dance with an ACL tear.

Naturally, fans, athletes and analysts poured in their prayers for JuJu. Former WNBA star Lisa Leslie showed her support for the 19-year-old star player, posting on X, “My heart is broken💔 I will keep you in my prayers🙏🏾 @Jujubballin I know you will be back stronger and better!! Fight On @USCWBB for Juju✌🏾.” 

Unfortunately for JuJu, it’s not like she could rewind the time. Now, focus shifts to recovering from this devastating injury. JuJu was a prime contender for the National Player of the Year award and now will have no choice but to support her teammates from the touchline.

Thankfully, she won’t be alone in this battle. Her family and teammates will be by her side every step of the way. But JuJu would surely find comfort in knowing that her idol is also rooting for her recovery. “I’m a big A’ja fan. Just the way she’s so dominant on the floor is really inspiring,” the forward had once said. A’ja, who has a deep admiration for the young star, was heartbroken to see her go down. She took to Threads to send her prayers, posting, “Ju 🙏🏽” 

It wasn’t just players who were stunned by JuJu’s injury. Analysts were shaken too. Shannon Sharpe couldn’t believe what he had witnessed. Let’s take a look at what he had to say about the heartbreaking moment.

Shannon Sharpe in disbelief after learning about JuJu Watkins’ injury

On his podcast Nightcap with Chad Johnson, the news of JuJu Watkins’ injury shocked Shannon Sharpe, leaving him in disbelief. Both Sharpe and Chad couldn’t believe what they were reading.

He said, “Okay man oh my goodness she’s screaming. It didn’t look good, oh my. I don’t even want to speculate, but she grabbed her knee and she’s screaming, she immediately grabbed her knee and she’s screaming damn.” Sharpe then sent his prayers to JuJu and wished her a speedy recovery.

It’s clear that JuJu’s devastating injury shook the entire basketball world. With her on the court, the Trojans had their eyes set on a championship—their first since 1984. Now, that mission has become even tougher. The NPOY contender will be hoping to recover from this injury and dominate the court like Paige Bueckers did since returning from her own ACL injury. Wishing her a smooth recovery!