It’s probably not what USC junior JuJu Watkins envisioned for her first senior Team USA camp. Despite her continued recovery from an ACL injury in her right knee sustained in the NCAA tournament in March, Watkins has joined 16 other hopefuls for the camp this weekend at Duke.
“It’s definitely a pinch-me moment. I’ve dreamt of being a part of this atmosphere,” said Watkins, who was a first-time All-American in both of her first two seasons playing for the Trojans. “So to see that actually kind of come true, in a sense, and seeing that I’m headed towards the right direction is definitely satisfying.”
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USC, which has started the season 7-2 and plays host to UConn on Saturday, ruled Watkins out in September. The Naismith and Wooden awards winner last year shared where she was in her recovery.
“I’m finally able to start working out a little bit, so that’s been good. Starting to pick up the ball a little more, so I’m grateful for that,” Watkins said. “Just been there for my team, attacking rehab every day.”
As for specifics on what she can do with the ball at this point, Watkins said: “Mostly just shooting, handles, touch, whatever I can do. I’ve been trying to maximize that.”
Team USA coach Kara Lawson said, “we wanted her here,” when asked about including Watkins despite her injury. “I’m hoping that by being around some of the top players in the world that she’s getting, maybe through some osmosis, some really good lessons from these veterans,” Lawson added.
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Watkins has enjoyed being around all of women’s basketball’s best players. Ten of the 16 working out this weekend are new to the senior program.
“It’s enough just kind of being there and feeling the energy,” Watkins said. ” … The communication, the leadership. I mean, it’s just something that you can see and automatically it brings up your standard. So, I’ll definitely be taking some of those lessons back to SC to kind of continue to grow as a leader and as a player.”
Many believe the star guard will play one more season at USC before entering the WNBA draft in 2027. Sue Bird, managing director for USA Basketball, said having Watkins in camp is all about getting her acclimated.
“It’s great for JuJu, who’s obviously incredibly talented,” Bird said Thursday. “To get her used to what the national team is, used to being around these players, and then of course, used to being around the coaching staff.
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“People learn by osmosis a lot, and so just to have her in the environment, like, why not?”
Watkins’ goal is to make Team USA for the 2028 Olympics in her hometown of Los Angeles.
“That’s been my North Star this whole time, so to get this opportunity means a lot,” Watkins said.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Injured USC star JuJu Watkins soaks in USA camp, eyes 2028 Olympics
