The college basketball world was collectively stunned earlier this week when news broke that USC Trojans star JuJu Watkins had suffered a season-ending injury during the team’s NCAA Tournament game against Mississippi State. Watkins, one of the brightest young stars in women’s basketball, tore her ACL—an injury that will sideline her for an extended period and bring an abrupt end to what had been a breakout sophomore season.

Among those who reacted immediately and emotionally was WNBA legend Sue Bird, who has herself endured the highs and lows of an elite basketball career, including the devastation of a torn ACL. Speaking on her podcast “A Touch More” alongside Megan Rapinoe, Bird expressed her deep disappointment not only for Watkins, but for the entire women’s basketball community.

“My initial thought was like, f—,” Bird said bluntly. “F— for women’s basketball, f— for the tournament and then f— for JuJu. Because now, you know, this marks a long rehab, this marks a test mentally and physically.”

Bird, who tore her ACL early in her own college career at UConn, understands better than most what Watkins is about to endure. She did not mince words when describing the emotional impact of the injury. “It feels like a death sentence,” Bird admitted. “Because everything you were building toward just stops. Your momentum is halted. Your confidence is shaken. You wonder if you’ll ever be the same.”

Still, Bird emphasized that this setback is just one chapter in Watkins’ basketball story. “It’s not the end of anything,” she said. “It’s just the end of this particular run. JuJu will be fine. She’ll be back on the court. Yes, it’s a difficult rehab. But I know when I tore my ACL, it changed my life, it changed my career, it changed the trajectory for sure.”

That perspective is significant. Bird went on to become one of the most decorated and enduring players in WNBA history. If anyone knows what’s possible after an ACL injury, it’s her. But even she acknowledged how mentally taxing the recovery process can be. The grueling physical therapy, the fear of re-injury, the psychological hurdle of trusting the knee again—it’s all part of the battle.

Watkins’ injury occurred during one of the most high-profile moments of the college basketball season: March Madness. As USC was looking to make a deep tournament run, Watkins was at the center of it all. She entered the game as one of the most prolific scorers in the nation, averaging 24.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. She was second in the country in scoring and had become the focal point of USC’s offense, as well as a national sensation for her style of play and poise under pressure.

It was a cruel twist of fate that her injury came at this time, not only robbing her of a potential championship run but also altering the trajectory of her next season and possibly her WNBA timeline. Many believed that Watkins would be a top draft pick once she became eligible. This injury may delay those plans, but it likely won’t derail them.

Bird, who has long advocated for athlete wellness and long-term career sustainability, reminded listeners that some of the game’s greatest stars have come back stronger after ACL tears. “You’re forced to learn things about yourself,” she said. “You develop a deeper relationship with your body, with your mind. If anything, JuJu is going to come back with more tools, more perspective. She’s going to be more dangerous than ever.”

The news has left a void in the NCAA Tournament. Watkins was not just a statistical leader—she was a storyline. Her breakout performances had become must-watch events, and her presence gave USC a real chance at national prominence. The Trojans still made it to the Sweet 16 for the second year in a row, a testament to the program’s depth and coaching, but there’s no denying the emotional blow of losing their centerpiece.

Beyond basketball, the injury reignites broader conversations about ACL injuries in women’s sports. Female athletes are significantly more likely to suffer ACL tears than their male counterparts, a statistic that has been examined extensively in recent years. Factors include anatomical differences, biomechanics, hormonal variations, and even shoe design. Watkins’ injury will likely serve as another data point in these ongoing discussions about injury prevention and training adaptation for female athletes.

For now, the focus will shift to Watkins’ recovery, and the community will rally around her. Fans, coaches, and players alike have taken to social media to offer support, many of them echoing Bird’s sentiment: heartbreak now, but a bright future ahead.

Watkins herself has not yet issued a lengthy public statement, but close sources indicate that she is already mentally preparing for the rehabilitation process. Those who know her best describe her as a determined competitor with a strong support system, both at USC and at home. The university has committed to giving her access to the best medical and training resources available.

Bird’s comments come from a place of deep empathy and lived experience. In many ways, she’s offering Watkins a roadmap—one that shows this detour doesn’t have to be a derailment. It’s a message that resonates beyond just one player. It’s about resilience, about the hidden strength forged in recovery, and about how champions are often defined not by their setbacks, but by their comebacks.

Women’s basketball is in a moment of ascension. With stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and JuJu Watkins commanding headlines and growing the fan base, the sport is reaching new heights. Watkins’ injury is a sobering reminder of the physical risks these athletes take every time they step on the court. But it’s also a reminder of their toughness, and the community that surrounds them.

JuJu Watkins will be missed on the court this March, but her story is far from over. If anything, it’s just beginning a new chapter—one that will likely show us, once again, just how powerful and resilient women athletes can be. And with voices like Sue Bird’s offering support and perspective, the future of women’s basketball remains as inspiring as ever.