Heartfelt message for Watkins shared by USC women's basketball coach

It has been an immensely emotional week for the USC women's basketball team. It's rare that advancing to the Sweet 16 would have something of a bittersweet feeling, but losing a player of the caliber of JuJu Watkins the way they did, leaves mixed emotions.

It's not always about the X's and O's. Instead, how a coach handles these types of situations is often what the job ultimately calls for. Balancing the team, understandably caring for their teammate who was lost to injury, and the need to keep pushing forward can be a great challenge for anyone in that position.

Clearly, inspired by the chance to advance against Mississippi State, coach Lindsay Gottlieb found a way to rally her group to a dominant win. Moving forward, she will have to keep her players focused throughout the week on preparing for their upcoming matchups. Beforehand, though, she wanted to take a moment to speak on the amount of gratitude and appreciation for Watkins' play through her two USC seasons with the program.

In a post shared on X by the team account, coach Gottlieb had written:

JuJu is a special player-unquestionably tough physically and mentally - and she is deeply loved by her team and her Trojan family. 

The Women of Troy HC would go on to also iterate how the sophomore guard would undoubtedly make a return. It isn't ever easy to keep the drive that's required to do well against the best teams during the NCAA tournament.

Coach Gottlieb, however, is doing an excellent job of continuing the push for excellence. She has done well on the recruiting trail, and the program's development allows this Trojans group to continue to be a strong force in the bracket.

Questions about Watkins and, more specifically, how she is doing at the moment will continue throughout the week. The HC, however, knows that the best way to show appreciation for the guard is to play inspired, collective ball for her.

USC women's basketball support shows strength of program

Coach Gottlieb spoke on how much the All-American has impacted USC and will continue to do so. Mentally, the rest of Watkins' teammates and coaches know that the best care is being given to her and that she'll have tremendous facilities for her upcoming rehab process.

For now, blocking that aspect out, as much as possible, even with a slew of questions and probes attempting to do otherwise, is what is best for the program. Even without the USBWA National Player of the Year, this team has the talent and depth to compete.

For 2025-2026, the crowd will enthusiastically stand up and appreciate Watkins' dedication in her eventual return to the court. Until that day comes, coach Gottlieb is worried about preparing for Kansas State and winning a national championship.

This time of year is about players who have shown they are the best over the course of the season. It is also about not-as-known (to the general public) athletes stepping up and stepping into the spotlight. An inspired USC women's basketball group may surprise a team that is now being prematurely dismissed by too many.