The Big Lead

Caitlin Clark sends heartwarming message to JuJu Watkins after knee injury

WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark shared her thoughts on USC women's basketball star JuJu Watkins' devastating knee injury.

By Josh Sanchez

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark smiles while watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Michigan State Spartans.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark smiles while watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Michigan State Spartans. / Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark is the latest basketball star to chime in on the devastating knee injury suffered by USC women's basketball star JuJu Watkins on Monday night.

Watkins was driving to the basketball when her knee buckled and she collapsed to the ground.

After being carried to the locker room, reports surfaced that Watkins suffered a season-ending torn ACL that will require surgery.

MORE: Who will step up for USC basketball after JuJu Watkins injury?

Clark sent out a heartfelt message wishing Watkins a full recovering and saying she will bounce back in a big way.

"Sending all my thoughts and prayers to JuJu. Kid will come back stronger than ever," Clark wrote on X along with a heart emoji.

The 19-year-old was named the 2025 Big Ten Player of the Year and a unanimous first-team All-American, following up her Freshman of the Year campaign.

MORE: TCU star Hailey Van Lith bravely opens up about mental health struggles

This season, the Trojans guard is averaging 24.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.

USC Trojans head coach Lindsay Gottlieb greets guard JuJu Watkins against the UNC Greensboro Spartans.
USC Trojans head coach Lindsay Gottlieb greets guard JuJu Watkins against the UNC Greensboro Spartans. / Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

USC was able to move forward and come away with a dominant 96-59 win over the No. 9 seed Bulldogs. Up next for USC is a meeting with the No. 5 seed Kansas State Wildcats in the Sweet 16 on Saturday, March 29.

It will be interesting to see who steps up for USC in Watkins' absence moving forward.

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