Jennings: Without JuJu Watkins, the show goes on. Expect women’s March Madness to deliver

JuJu Watkins was the shining star of USC women’s basketball, carrying the weight of expectations on her shoulders from the moment she stepped foot on campus. She was poised to take the program back to the top, following in the footsteps of standout players like Caitlin Clark. However, tragedy struck last weekend when JuJu suffered a season-ending ACL tear, leaving fans and the women’s college basketball world in shock.

Despite her absence, commercials featuring JuJu continue to air during the NCAA Tournament, a testament to her star power and influence in the sport. While many wonder what the future holds for USC without their star player, history shows us that women’s basketball has a way of producing new stars and captivating audiences.

The departure of key players like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Maya Moore in the past left fans skeptical about the future of the sport. However, each time a star player exits the stage, new talents emerge to fill the void and push the game to new heights. Coaches like Geno Auriemma have witnessed this cycle firsthand, seeing phenoms come and go but always leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

As the NCAA Tournament progresses, the spotlight now shifts to players like Paige Bueckers, Hannah Hidalgo, Flau’Jae Johnson, and Lauren Betts. With top seeds still in contention, the stage is set for new stars to rise and for the game to continue its growth and evolution.

While JuJu Watkins’ absence is felt, her legacy lives on in the players she inspired and the sport she helped elevate. The show must go on, and as the tournament unfolds, we can expect new heroes to emerge and carry the torch forward in women’s college basketball.