From the college game to the pros, JuJu Watkins has support at every level of basketball.
Speaking with iHeartRadio as part of her latest partnership with Quest Nutrition, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham shared words of encouragement for Watkins following the USC sophomore's season-ending knee injury during the NCAA Women’s Tournament earlier this week.
"I think everyone’s heart just sunk," Cunningham said, recalling the moment Watkins went down during USC’s second-round matchup against Mississippi State. "To see someone go down with an injury like that—it sucks. But at the end of the day, you’re an athlete. You’re going to have those trials. I think this is going to make her better."
"[JuJu] is a phenomenal player," she continued. "She is going to be a Hall of Famer—not only at the collegiate level, but in the WNBA. She’s a heck of a hooper. She’s been so fun to watch. Her skill level is out of this world."
Cunningham added that her "prayers go out to" Watkins and she expressed confidence in the young star’s resilience.
"She’s going to get through her recovery, her PT, her rehab... and be better because of this somehow," Cunningham said.
Photo: Getty Images North America
After Watkins' injury in the first quarter, the Trojans went on to defeat the Bulldogs 96-59.
USC is back in the Sweet 16 for the second straight year and will face Kansas State on Saturday (March 29).
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