It has been approximately two weeks since the USC women’s basketball team stepped foot on the court. All eyes were always going to be on JuJu Watkins. The sophomore guard, however, gave fans slight cause for pause toward the end of the first quarter.
The star player appeared to be grasping and massaging her left hand from that moment through the first half, repeatedly shaking it. It’s not clear when the incident was that initially caused this. College basketball fans know that the tournament without one of the best in the nation at full health would be a disservice for March Madness lovers.
As it’s her non-shooting and non-dominant hand, Watkins was able to still play through and have a big impact. In a low-scoring opening two quarters, the injured player led all scorers with 11 points at the interval. In fact, she was the only player to have reached double figures at the half. While not needing her left to finish layups, her ability to freeze defenders through her ball handling needs both lower arm areas at full capacity, as was on display for observers at the Galen Center.
During the break, the broadcast showed an interaction that is the likely culprit. While contending for positioning on the offensive end, she was fighting over two Spartans. Even here, that exact nature of how serious the potential injury would be cannot immediately be seen. It looks like a slight wrist sprain or finger jam is most likely. Certainly, following the game, it will likely be a hot talking point to see if more specific answers can become available.
Fortitude on display from USC guard
Someone of Watkins’ quality isn’t going to use this minor setback as an excuse. She not only always says the right things, but she also walks the walk. Ideally, everyone is at full health throughout the NCAA tournament. She knows that playing through it, as long as she doesn’t risk serious aggravation, is the only way forward as a college athlete. Her team is depending on her, and Watkins will want to compete with her teammates, even if she has to play through this discomfort.
Whatever the exact nature of the concern, it appeared to not be significant enough for the USC staff to pull her out. It was clearly on her mind and gave her discomfort throughout the first 20 minutes of action. Even with some limitations, Watkins was clearly the best player on the court. Needing her at 100% is not necessarily needed early on against the likes of UNC Greensboro. In order to go on a deep run, however, the Trojans will need her to be at her best.
Significant development during second half
On a drive, Watkins then tweaked her ankle. Although the guard was looking to continue playing, she did have to come out. Before being subbed out, she limped behind the three-point line for a catch-and-shoot make from range.
Although the score at that point was out of hand, the extent of the lower leg injury specifically has now escalated a more serious concern over the Trogan player. In good spirits, however, Watkins was willing to sit on the bench and wait it out, but the training staff insisted on her going to the locker room for a more detailed evaluation.
Many expect the Ladies of Troy to at least make it to the Final Four. Without the Naismith Player of the Year semifinalist, though, it becomes a much more difficult task. USC will hope that Watkins is fully healthy and that only light rehab at most is needed. It appears, though, that even when not at the full apex of her powers, Watkins is still a clear top player in the country.
