JuJu Watkins injury: Flau'Jae Johnson sends touching message to USC star

LSU star Flau’jae Johnson had a heartfelt message after USC star JuJu Watkins went down with injury Monday night. The basketball world collectively held its breath when Watkins suffered the injury in the NCAA Tournament against Mississippi State.

Several took to social media to offer their well wishes to the Big Ten Player of the Year, including Johnson. She sent out a message on X to let Watkins know she was hoping for the best when it comes to news on the injury.

I pray juju okay 🙏 hate to see it

— Flaujae 4️⃣ (@Flaujae) March 25, 2025

“I pray juju okay,” Johnson wrote. “Hate to see it.”

Watkins suffered the injury at the 4:43 mark in the first quarter with USC leading 13-2. She was driving to the basket on a fast break when she fell to the floor and immediately grabbed at her right knee.

She could be seen grimacing in pain as she eventually had to be carried off the court and immediately back to the locker room. ESPN’s Holly Rowe provided a brief update on the Trojans’ mindset after losing their scoring leader.

“It’s been kind of a wild emotional roller coaster over here,” Rowe explained to start the second quarter. “When the injury first happened, players came to the bench and kind of stunned and shocked and very upset. They had to quickly regroup. Lindsey Gottlieb took a big, deep breath to coach and then they got back to basketball. In that last timeout, they are just talking about Xs and Os but it is freshmen who are having to step up right now.

“Two true freshmen out on the court, they will have to be the people that bring them back. One other note, I have seen quite a few people leave the stands to go back and check on JuJu, including the athletic director Jen Cohen, other people who I assume are medical personnel and team doctors. I’ll keep you posted as soon as I know more.”

The loss of Watkins is a massive one as she was the heartbeat of the team and a big reason why the Trojans earned a No. 1 seed. She has averaged 24.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.3 steals per game while shooting 42.8%.

Flau’jae Johnson and LSU just earned a victory against Florida State to reach the Sweet Sixteen on Monday, and JuJu Watkins and USC entered looking to do the same. The Trojans still hold a massive 50-27 lead at halftime against Mississippi State despite the heartbreaking injury. We’ll await further updates and hope for the best.