No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Episode: JuJu Watkins’ Injury + Takeaways from Early Rounds of the NCAA Tournament
Release Date: March 25, 2025
Hosts: Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, and Ben Pickman

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of No Offseason, The Athletic’s dedicated women’s basketball team delves into the heart-wrenching injury of USC standout JuJu Watkins and examines the key takeaways from the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament. The hosts aim to provide listeners with an in-depth analysis of these pivotal moments in the season.

2. JuJu Watkins’ Injury: A Detailed Breakdown

The episode opens with the tragic news of JuJu Watkins sustaining a season-ending torn ACL in her right knee during a high-stakes game against Mississippi State. Sabrina Merchant, who was present at the arena, provides a vivid recount of the incident.

Sabrina Merchant [06:23]:
"It was 13 to 2 by the moment where Juju takes the ball on the break and her leg kind of buckles and she goes down."

Merchant parallels the incident to other major sports injuries, highlighting the emotional and physical impact on both the player and the team. She describes the immediate aftermath, noting the silence that fell over the arena followed by the crowd’s eruption of boos directed not at JuJu, but seemingly at the opposing team, Mississippi State.

Chantelle Jennings [11:55]:
"Seeing her go down that way, and not only to see her go down, but the vulnerability and the fragility of her screaming in that manner felt heart wrenching."

The discussion then shifts to the reactions from JuJu’s teammates and coach Lindsey Gottlieb, emphasizing the unexpectedness and severity of the injury. Sabrina notes the uncharacteristic behavior of the coaching staff reacting urgently to the situation, underscoring the gravity of JuJu’s condition.

Sabrina Merchant [12:55]:
"This is a chance for a national championship, and Juju Watkins is your ticket to a national championship. Now you know in this moment, this is a team that could do it, maybe they wouldn’t. You just wanna put yourself in the ring."

The hosts reflect on the emotional toll the injury has taken, not just on the USC team but on fans and the broader women's basketball community. Chantelle shares her personal emotional response, connecting JuJu’s public persona of invincibility with the raw vulnerability witnessed during the injury.

Chantelle Jennings [13:48]:
"I think that was everyone immediately reacted to. And you saw just the flood of WNBA player celebrities... 'the National Basketball Association’s top players have gone through this.'"

Discussing the future, Sabrina speculates on JuJu’s recovery timeline and the potential impact on the next season, drawing parallels to other players who have successfully returned from similar injuries.

Sabrina Merchant [23:12]:
"ACLs are traditionally like a nine to 12 month recovery period. I mean, I'm excited to see what Juju looks like eventually coming back from this."

3. Tournament Takeaways from the First and Second Rounds

Shifting focus to the NCAA Tournament, the hosts analyze the outcomes of the initial rounds, noting both expected results and surprising performances. Ben Pickman highlights the overall "chalky" nature of the tournament but acknowledges the competitiveness witnessed in several key matchups.

Ben Pickman [26:35]:
"Everyone make a bold prediction. And Sabrina was like, I think it's gonna be pretty chalky. And I was like, damn you, Sabrina. You're right once again."

Chantelle emphasizes the intensity of the four and five seed games, praising the heightened competition and the dramatic finishes that characterized many of these matchups.

Chantelle Jennings [28:27]:
"The four or five games were incredible... Georgia Amor on her home court... Alabama vs. Maryland in double overtime."

Key performances are spotlighted, including Maggie Dugan’s standout game for Richmond against UCLA and Lauren Betts’ remarkable second-half surge for UCLA, which turned the tide in their favor.

Chantelle Jennings [35:18]:
"Paige Beckers is another, tying her career high... NC State's shooting performance against Michigan State was a school record."

Ben also points out the resilience and strategic adjustments made by teams like Ohio State and Tennessee, underscoring the depth and talent present in the women's tournament.

Ben Pickman [30:26]:
"In Tennessee, Ohio State, you didn't mention that as a four or five game, but my gosh, like the way Ohio... was relentless."

4. Highlighted Performances and Player Impact

The conversation delves deeper into individual performances that have shaped the tournament's narrative. Kiki Iriafan’s leadership for USC becomes a focal point, especially in light of JuJu Watkins’ injury. Her ability to maintain composure and score decisively is lauded as a critical asset for USC’s continued success.

Chantelle Jennings [16:31]:
"Kiki Iriafan stepping up, putting the team on her back with her performance... she dance[d] for her teammates to keep the mood up."

Lauren Betts of UCLA is celebrated for her exceptional second-half performance that secured a win for her team, while Madison Booker's composure under pressure in the Texas-Illinois game is highlighted as an example of veteran poise.

Chantelle Jennings [41:22]:
"Madison Booker cuts through the lane... 'ball, ball, ball.' Like, just freakin' out!"

Paige Beckers’ tying of her career-high points in her final game and her heartfelt acknowledgment of the crowd are noted as poignant moments in the tournament.

Chantelle Jennings [34:05]:
"Paige Beckers tied her career high in her final game... praised the crowd for their support."

5. USC’s Path Forward Without JuJu Watkins

With JuJu Watkins sidelined, the discussion turns to USC’s strategic adjustments and Kiki Iriafan’s ascending role as the team’s leader. The hosts analyze USC’s potential matchups, especially the upcoming game against Kansas State, and the challenges they face without their star player.

Sabrina Merchant [20:36]:
"The bracket could not have broken worse, I think for USC because you're looking at a team where now they're without their best player... Running more offense through Kiki."

Chantelle and Sabrina evaluate the strengths of USC’s remaining roster, including the promising performances of younger players and the defensive strategies that might compensate for JuJu’s absence.

Chantelle Jennings [22:45]:
"They have players who have been in these situations before... Von Olhofen and Malia Samuels were on the Elite Eight team last year."

6. Conclusion and Looking Ahead

As the episode wraps up, the hosts emphasize the emotional and competitive landscape of the ongoing tournament. They preview upcoming content, including deep dives into Sweet Sixteen matchups and player spotlights, encouraging listeners to stay engaged with future episodes.

Chantelle Jennings [45:52]:
"Stay tuned over the weekend to this show because we'll be dropping a special pod in between rounds to hit your feed on Sunday morning."

The episode concludes with a heartfelt acknowledgment of JuJu Watkins’ potential comeback and the collective support from the basketball community, leaving listeners eager for the next installment of No Offseason.

Notable Quotes

• Sabrina Merchant [06:23]:
  "It was 13 to 2 by the moment where Juju takes the ball on the break and her leg kind of buckles and she goes down."

• Chantelle Jennings [11:55]:
  "Seeing her go down that way, and not only to see her go down, but the vulnerability and the fragility of her screaming in that manner felt heart wrenching."

• Sabrina Merchant [12:55]:
  "This is a chance for a national championship, and Juju Watkins is your ticket to a national championship."

• Ben Pickman [26:35]:
  "Everyone make a bold prediction. And Sabrina was like, I think it's gonna be pretty chalky. And I was like, damn you, Sabrina. You're right once again."

• Chantelle Jennings [41:22]:
  "Madison Booker cuts through the lane... 'ball, ball, ball.' Like, just freakin' out!"

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the episode’s exploration of JuJu Watkins’ injury and the intricate dynamics of the early NCAA Tournament rounds, providing listeners with a clear and engaging overview of the discussions and insights shared by the hosts.