JuJu Watkins' Injury – And How She Compares to Korea’s Park Ji-hyun
JuJu Watkins, the rising star of USC Women's Basketball, suffered a heartbreaking ACL tear during the NCAA tournament game against Mississippi State in March 2025. The injury occurred just minutes into the first quarter, cutting short a remarkable freshman season that had captivated fans across the country.
🇺🇸 Who is JuJu Watkins?
- Freshman guard at USC (University of Southern California)
- 2025 season average: 24.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 3.5 APG
- Known for her explosive scoring, court vision, and leadership
- Led USC to a Pac-12 title and deep NCAA run before the injury
🇰🇷 A Korean Comparison: Park Ji-hyun (박지현)
- South Korea’s top women’s basketball player, currently in WKBL
- Position: Forward / Guard hybrid
- Known for all-around skills, basketball IQ, and defensive versatility
- Has represented Korea in international competitions (e.g. FIBA Asia, Olympics)
🆚 Style Comparison – JuJu vs. Ji-hyun
| Category | JuJu Watkins | Park Ji-hyun |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Guard | Forward / Guard |
| Play Style | Aggressive scorer, clutch shooter | All-around, smart defender |
| Strengths | Athleticism, shooting range | IQ, versatility, size |
| Injury | ACL tear (2025) | Healthy |
🏀 What This Means for the Future
JuJu’s injury is a huge blow not only to USC, but to fans of women’s basketball worldwide. But like Park Ji-hyun, she has the mentality and potential to return stronger. Fans from Korea and the U.S. alike are hoping for a speedy recovery.
💬 Let us know in the comments — who’s your favorite women’s basketball player?