JuJu Watkins’ return has USC looking whole as Women of Troy continue historic start
The highly anticipated return of JuJu Watkins has been everything USC fans could have hoped for — and perhaps more. After missing 588 days following a torn right ACL suffered during the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Watkins’ presence has made an already talented USC roster look complete.
Through the Trojans’ first two contests, Watkins averaged 26.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 3.5 steals and 1.0 block per game, earning her eighth career USBWA Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Week honor. The award was announced ahead of Wednesday night’s matchup against the College of Charleston Cougars.
Both teams entered the contest undefeated, but it didn't take long for USC to establish its dominance. The Women of Troy closed the first quarter with a commanding 31-8 lead, controlling the pace offensively while wreaking havoc on the defensive end.
By halftime, USC had recorded eight steals and converted turnovers into 15 points. Watkins, Jazzy Davidson and Saniyah Hall had each reached double figures, combining for 42 of the Trojans’ 58 first-half points. Watkins led the way with 16.
The numbers told the story of a thoroughly one-sided first half. USC held the advantage in steals, points off turnovers, fast-break points, bench production, points in the paint and blocks.
The victory continued an extraordinary stretch for the Women of Troy. Following a 100-68 win over UNLV and a 118-40 victory over Utah State, USC's win over Charleston marked its third consecutive victory by at least 100 points — a feat the program has accomplished just once before.
Sophomore Jazzy Davidson finished with a season-high 24 points, showcasing not only her growth on the court but also her development as a leader. Her communication and presence have become increasingly noticeable as she embraces a greater role within the team.
“The vets that I had on the team last season really taught me a lot,” Davidson said.
“My freshman season was challenging in a lot of different ways. I learned a lot though. I’m very grateful for it. And having vets like Kara Dunn, and the Ju (JuJu Watkins), and London — I mean really everybody that was there — just really helped. And if I can be that for the freshman, I really want to try to do that.”
For Davidson, the lessons of her freshman season are already translating into a leadership role. With Watkins back in the lineup and the younger players continuing to develop, USC is beginning to show just how dangerous its roster can be.
The Women of Troy now turn their attention to their biggest test yet: a road matchup against Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 10 a.m. The showdown will offer an early measuring stick for a USC team that has made an emphatic statement to open the season.
The Trojans' next challenge will offer a much different test. USC travels to Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday to face the No. 1-ranked Gamecocks, led by head coach Dawn Staley. South Carolina enters the matchup after impressive wins over ranked opponents Maryland and North Carolina, including an 84-39 rout of the Tar Heels.
The Gamecocks have won the first two meetings between the programs, including last season's NCAA Tournament matchup. With Watkins back in the lineup, Sunday's contest presents USC with its first opportunity to measure itself against one of the nation's top programs — and a chance to make an early statement.
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