Caitlin Clarks emotional message to JuJu Watkins after heartbreaking injury

Caitlin Clark sent a message to JuJu Watkins after the USC superstar suffered a torn ACL in her right knee in the Trojans’ second-round rout of Mississippi State, 96-59, in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament on Monday.“Sending all my thoughts and prayers to JuJu.Kid will come back stronger than ever,” the Fever guard wrote, adding a red heart emoji, on X.Clark joined a slew of WNBA players, past and present, and college stars who sent the 19-year-old Watkins support.“Prayers for Juju!” Sky forward Angel Reese wrote.

“I pray juju okay,” LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson added.Lisa Leslie, a WNBA legend and USC alum, wrote, “My heart is broken.

I will keep you in my prayers @Jujubballin.I know you will be back stronger and better!! Fight On @USCWBB for Juju.” Watkins, 19, will undergo season-ending surgery and then begin rehabilitation, USC announced.The sophomore guard suffered the knee injury just five minutes into the game, which took place at Galen Center in Los Angeles, home of the Trojans.

Watkins drove to the basket on a fast break and was fouled between two Bulldogs defenders when she fell to the floor grabbing her knee in pain.She was carried off the court and did not return to bench.Upset over Watkins’ devastating injury, the crowd later booed anytime the Bulldogs touched the ball.Before the injury, Watkins had a stellar year — averaging 24.6 points, seven rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.8 blocks.Watkins played a pivotal role in helping the Trojans secure one of the No.

1 seeds in this year’s NCAA Tournament.USC punched its ticket to the Sweet 16 on Monday for the second straight season.They reached the Elite Eight last year and lost to the UConn Huskies.

The Trojans will face Kansas State Saturday in the Sweet 16 at Spokane Arena in Washington....