'She's even more explosive': JuJu Watkins is back and maybe better than ever
In March 2025, then-player of the year JuJu Watkins tore her ACL. Now, 588 days later, her journey back to the court is complete.
JuJu Watkins' return to the court is a monumental moment for women's college basketball, and fans are buzzing with excitement. The 2025 player of the year, Watkins' impressive stats and accolades made her a household name, and her ACL injury in March 2025 was a devastating blow to her team and the sports world. Her 588-day journey to recovery has been a testament to her dedication and resilience.
Watkins' comeback is significant not only for her personal story but also for the impact she can have on her team's success. Her explosive playing style, which earned her the player of the year award, is now back and possibly even better than before. According to those close to her, Watkins has maintained her elite level of athleticism, and her team's prospects for the upcoming season have just gotten a whole lot brighter. As the women's college basketball landscape continues to grow and gain attention, Watkins' return will undoubtedly draw even more eyes to the sport.
As Watkins takes to the court once again, all eyes will be on her to see if she can reclaim her title as one of the nation's top players. With the NCAA transfer portal and NIL deals changing the dynamics of college sports, Watkins' decision to stay and play for her current team is a significant boost to her program. To watch next: Watkins' season opener and how she performs against top-tier competition, as well as how her team gels around her and responds to the added attention and expectations that come with her return.
Originally reported by espn.com. PlayerNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.