- JuJu Watkins has started light on-court work as she rehabs from an ACL tear suffered in March.
- The reigning Wooden Award winner attended USA Basketball’s senior training camp to learn from veterans despite not participating in drills.
- Watkins says the mental hurdle has been the toughest part of recovery and she’s focused on maximizing every available activity.
H2: Light workouts mark a major step in ACL rehab
JuJu Watkins has taken visible steps back toward full basketball activity. The USC star, who tore her ACL during March Madness, told reporters she’s begun light workouts — picking up the ball, doing shooting and ball-handling drills when possible.
“Whatever I can do, I am trying to maximize that,” Watkins said. Those small sessions are a milestone after months away from competitive play and surgery.
H3: Wooden Award winner stays connected at Team USA camp
Watkins, the reigning Wooden Award winner, traveled to Duke University for USA Basketball’s senior training camp. Although she couldn’t take the floor with potential 2026 FIBA World Cup Team USA members, she attended sessions to absorb the environment and learn from elite players and coaches.
Being at the camp allowed juju watkins to study communication, leadership and standards used at the highest levels. “It’s enough just being here and feeling the energy,” she said. Watkins noted how the camp’s leadership and voice on the court raised her own standards and gave her lessons to bring back to USC.
H3: Mental recovery as important as physical rehab
Watkins has been candid about the recovery process, saying the biggest obstacle hasn’t been physical pain but the mental curve of trusting her body again. That honesty highlights a key part of modern sports medicine: successful returns depend on both physical rehab and psychological readiness.
Her approach has been patient and methodical. She’s focused on maximizing every opportunity — from light drills to watching veteran teammates — to keep improving while avoiding setbacks.
H2: What this means for USC and her future
USC will monitor her progress carefully. The guard’s measured return offers hope for a comeback season, but medical timetables for ACL recovery vary and teams prioritize long-term health.
Watkins’ presence at Team USA camp also signals her standing in women’s basketball. Even while sidelined, she’s learning leadership traits from professional stars — tools that could elevate her role at USC once she’s cleared to play.
H4: Timeline and outlook
There’s no fixed date for a full return, but the start of on-court work is encouraging. With continued progress in range of motion, strength, and confidence, juju watkins could move through the next rehab phases on a typical collegiate ACL timeline.
For now, Watkins and USC remain cautious. The priority is a complete recovery that sets her up for long-term success on and off the court.
H5: Key takeaways
Watkins’ rehab is advancing in small but meaningful ways. Her attendance at Team USA camp — even as a participant off the court — underlines her commitment to growth and leadership. The mental recovery remains central, and Watkins continues to make incremental gains toward a full return.
Image Referance: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/usc-women-basketball-news-juju-160433426.html
