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USC Trojans’ star player JuJu Watkins suffered a sudden right knee injury during the first quarter of their second-round NCAA tournament clash against Mississippi State. Watkins, a sophomore sensation and College Player of the Year favorite, was carried off the court, leaving fans and her team in shock.
What Happened on Court?
With just under four minutes left in the first quarter, Watkins was driving on a fastbreak and collided with two Mississippi State defenders. After a foul, she fell to the ground and immediately grabbed her right knee in visible pain. The scene quickly turned tense as teammates and medical staff rushed to her side, carrying her to the locker room moments later.
Ex-Celtics Player's Viral Reaction
Amid concern for Watkins, former Boston Celtics forward Evan Turner lightened the mood with a playful post on X (formerly Twitter). He jokingly said, "I wanna blame Jayden Daniels' mom for this." This comment referred to a viral moment where Jayden Daniels’ mother, Regina Jackson, was seen sitting between her son and JuJu Watkins at an NCAA game, seemingly “separating” them. While fans debated her protective actions, Turner’s comment brought humor into the situation.
Why Regina Jackson Went Viral
Jayden Daniels, the Washington Commanders’ rising quarterback and NFC title game star, was spotted alongside JuJu Watkins during a tournament match. When his mother, Regina Jackson, sat between them, the internet exploded with reactions — some found it funny and relatable, while others felt it was overprotective. Now, with Watkins’ injury, Turner’s tongue-in-cheek remark only added to the buzz.
A Huge Blow for USC’s Title Hopes
USC later confirmed that Watkins would not return for the rest of the game, putting her availability for the Sweet 16 in doubt. While the Trojans still have strong players like Kiki Iriafen to lead the charge, losing Watkins at this stage could be a major setback for their championship run.
What’s Next for JuJu Watkins?
The university’s medical team is evaluating Watkins’ injury, with fans anxiously awaiting updates. If the damage is severe, it could impact her entire junior season — a big concern given her bright future and dominant performances so far.
