JuJu Watkins was on a dominant run before she suffered the torn ACL in her right knee, and she recently admitted that her former rival, Paige Bueckers, has been playing a key role in helping her improve her game.

Watkins, who was recently in Phoenix, Arizona, spoke to The Podium Finish a couple of days ago and disclosed how 'Buckets' has helped her with her game.

The USC guard said, "Paige is definitely giving me a lot of advice, and we always talk about it, so she’s definitely been a great help."

However, Bueckers isn't the only one whom Watkins consults. The 20-year-old also disclosed, “Cam [Brink] is another player [whom I talk to]. But so many people have reached out, giving me words of encouragement and wisdom.”

Few are better suited to guide Watkins than Bueckers, who herself, tore her left ACL on August 1, 2022, and missed the entire 2022–23 season.

Even in her pro career, Bueckers has continued to deal with injuries. She had a calf injury, a left knee sprain, and some illnesses in her rookie season, although most were minor and didn’t keep her out for long.

Because of this experience, Bueckers can help JuJu Watkins understand how to handle recovery and returning to the court. The same goes for Cameron Brink, who also suffered an ACL tear in 2024, as Watkins looks ahead to a possible comeback in the 2026-27 season.

As her recovery continues to gain momentum, the focus now shifts to JuJu Watkins’ return to the court and the progress she’s already making.

JuJu Watkins Takes Major Step Toward Comeback with On-Court Return

The USC Trojans' star tore her ACL during the 2025 NCAA Tournament against Mississippi State on March 24, but she is in the process of returning to the court.

Watkins travelled to Phoenix to attend Team USA's training camp, which ended on April 4. Reports said that she participated in a limited number of sessions, but images from the camp displayed her without a knee brace, signaling that she’s close to returning.

"Recovery's coming along very well," JuJu Watkins told ESPN while at USA Basketball training camp.

She also said, "Just staying with it, and I'll be back soon. I'm working out and stuff. While I'm here just shooting mainly, but back home just working on everything. Getting closer to the finish line, so I'm grateful about that."

In December 2025, Watkins attended Team USA's camp at Duke but didn’t take part in drills, as she wasn’t physically ready to play.

However, now, things are looking different as she’s back to shooting and doing real on-court work, which indicates that she’s moving closer to her return in full vitality.

So, when are you expecting to watch Watkins on the court next in her full colors?

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Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Souvik Roy