Alarm bells are ringing at the women’s March Madness after the University of Southern California superstar was knocked to the floor in their matchup against Mississippi State.
JuJu Watkins has suffered a torn ACL in her right knee, sources tell ESPN. She will undergo surgery.
The moment Juju Watkins suffers her dramatic injury
Watkins, who is one of the best players in the tournament, was attempting to carry the ball between two Bulldogs players with 4:43 left on the clock. She immediately grabbed her right knee and did not hide the pain she felt in her face.
The fans at the Calen Center remained silent as Coach Lindsay Gottlieb and two other staff members helped Watkins, a sophomore who averages 24.6 points and is one of the stars to watch in the tournament.
Pure ballers! Juju Watkins reveals the hoop stars who shaped her game ahead of March Madness
She was assisted off the court as the game enjoyed a TV timeout when the Trojans led 13-2.
On the next possession, the arena took to booing Mississippi State.
Marine Johannes is set to make her WNBA return with the New York Liberty in 2025, rejoining a team that clinched the championship in 2024.
As she steps back onto the court, the French guard is keeping a close eye on the league’s rising stars, particularly Caitlin Clark, who has been making waves with the Indiana Fever.
Paige Buckers is on a title hunt chasing the one achievement Caitlin Clark never got
Johannes predicts the future of the WNBA
During a recent conversation with NBA legend Tony Parker and French national team standout Nando De Colo, Johannes shared her thoughts on Clark’s impact, drawing a bold comparison.
“A bit like Stephen Curry,”Johannes remarked in French, likening Clark’s influence to the NBA’s revolutionary sharpshooter.
She went on to name Clark and UConn’s Paige Bueckers as the future faces of the WNBA, stating, “I think that she and Paige Bueckers will be the future of the WNBA and women’s basketball. What she’s doing with her team is huge,
everybody’s talking about it. When the two of them will come to the league, I think it will evolve in the media, it’ll be cool.”
Clark has already generated immense excitement since joining the Fever as the No. 1 overall pick in 2024.
Her transition to the WNBA follows an illustrious college career at Iowa, where she led her team to back-to-back national championship appearances.
Meanwhile, Bueckers, a former national player of the year, is expected to be the top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, setting the stage for a thrilling new era of women’s basketball.
A potential Clark-Bueckers showdown could take place as soon as June 27, when the Indiana Fever face the Dallas Wings.
With their NCAA battles still fresh in fans’ minds, the matchup is already generating buzz, with many anticipating it as the beginning of a marquee WNBA rivalry.
For Johannes, the return to the Liberty means stepping into a championship-defending squad while witnessing the next generation take center stage.
Whether Clark and Bueckers can reshape the league remains to be seen, but their arrival is undeniably shifting the spotlight onto women’s basketball in unprecedented ways.
Caitlin Clark‘s arrival in the WNBA has been nothing short of a game-changer. The Indiana Fever‘s rookie sensation, drafted No. 1 in 2024, has sparked a surge in interest that’s rippling across the league. From shattering viewership records to packing arenas, her presence-dubbed the “Caitlin Clark Effect“-is rewriting the script for women’s basketball.
Case in point: six WNBA teams have already shifted at least one upcoming game against the Fever to larger venues for the 2025 season, all to handle the flood of fans eager to catch Clark in action.
You won’t believe it! Caitlin Clark reveals which celebrity she would like to invite to dinner
Clark’s rookie year was a whirlwind. She led the Fever to the playoffs, snagged Rookie of the Year, and turned heads with her deep threes and slick passes. But it’s not just her stats-4,134 NCAA points and a WNBA-leading 8.2 assists per game as a rookie-that have teams scrambling. It’s the crowds she draws. Last season, Fever games averaged 17,274 fans at home, a 319% jump from 2023, per Yahoo Sports.
On the road, her games smashed attendance records, with teams like the Las Vegas Aces and Washington Mystics moving matchups to NBA-sized arenas to fit everyone in. “She helps ticket sales,” Aces coach Becky Hammon quipped last year, and the numbers back it up-Clark’s games accounted for 33.5% of the league’s total attendance in 2024.
From small courts to big stages: Six teams move Fever games for Clark
Now, as the 2025 season looms, six teams-the Aces, Mystics, Atlanta Dream, Los Angeles Sparks, Dallas Wings, and one more yet to be named-aren’t taking chances. They’ve bumped Fever games from their usual digs to bigger spots like T-Mobile Arena (18,000 seats) and American Airlines Center (20,000 seats).
The Wings’ June 27 clash with Indiana, for instance, marks their first-ever WNBA game at the Mavericks’ home court. Why? Because Clark’s pull is undeniable. Her 2024 road games saw venues like State Farm Arena in Atlanta sell out 17,000 seats-up from the Dream’s typical 3,500.
This isn’t just about logistics-it’s a testament to Clark’s star power. “I’m a part of history,” Fever teammate Kelsey Mitchell said last June, marveling at the crowds. Teams are banking on her to keep filling seats, especially after the WNBA’s 2024 attendance hit 2.35 million, the highest in 22 years. For smaller-market squads, moving to larger venues isn’t just practical-it’s a chance to cash in on the buzz. Clark’s not just playing ball; she’s reshaping the league’s landscape, one sold-out arena at a time.
WNBA superstar Angel Reese has her eyes set on a future basketball sensation, and she’s made her opinion known.
As Maryland took on Michigan in a tense March Madness showdown on Saturday, Reese took to social media to shout out Derik Queen, comparing the 6-foot-10 freshman center to none other than Nikola Jokic, the reigning NBA MVP.
Slaying TikTok! Angel Reese shows she’s a boss
Reese, known for her sharp basketball insights as well as her on-court dominance, wasn’t holding back when she called Queen “Baby Jokic” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Watching Queen’s commanding presence on the court, it’s clear to see why Reese made such a bold statement.
Derik Queen’s Game Mirrors Jokic’s Versatility
Even though Maryland narrowly fell to Michigan in an 80-81 thriller, Queen’s performance proved why he’s quickly becoming one of the most exciting players in college basketball.
This season, Queen is averaging 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, all while shooting 53% from the field – numbers that make him one of the top freshmen in the country.
But stats only tell part of the story. Like Jokic, Queen possesses rare ball-handling and playmaking skills for a big man. His ability to create shots from the perimeter, handle the ball smoothly, and make smart passes is reminiscent of what has made Jokic an NBA superstar.
Maryland head coach Kevin Willard even remarked to CBS: “If [Queen] was White and European, he’d be the first pick in the draft.”
It’s a striking comment that highlights both Queen’s extraordinary talent and the ongoing discussion about how players are evaluated in the NBA draft process.
Coaches and Players Rave About Queen’s Impact
Though his assist numbers might not jump off the page, those watching closely know that Queen has elite court vision and creativity, especially for a player his size.
Speaking about Queen’s impact on the game, Michigan guard Rubin Jones shared: “He’s definitely a good player. He puts a lot of pressure on you even though he’s not shooting the ball or nothing like that. He’s light on his feet to be so big.”
Michigan’s Will Tschetter also praised Queen, adding: “[Queen’s] very tough to guard with that skill set, versatility is really tough. Obviously hasn’t shot it the greatest from three, but you know came on tonight and shot really well from three.”
Beyond his impressive stats and flashy plays, Queen’s calm demeanor and ability to read the game set him apart. His passing ability, particularly when on the move, is something NBA scouts look for – and it’s another reason Reese wasn’t afraid to put him in the same conversation as Jokic.
As Queen continues to shine under the March Madness spotlight, his stock is only rising, and Angel Reese might be onto something. Whether he reaches Jokic’s heights remains to be seen, but with his unique skill set and growing reputation, he’s certainly on the radar as a future NBA standout.
Diana Taurasi, one of the greatest players in women’s basketball history, has officially announced her retirement after an extraordinary 20-year career with the Phoenix Mercury. The WNBA legend took time to reflect before making the decision, ultimately choosing to step away from the game with the same decisiveness that defined her career.
Se retira la ms grande: Diana Taurasi
Taurasi Reflects on Her Legendary Journey
“I thought long and hard about maybe playing again, but I knew in my heart that I was physically and mentally fulfilled with basketball,” Taurasi shared at her retirement press conference on Thursday.
A Legacy at the Peak of Women’s Basketball
Taurasi leaves the game at the peak of women’s basketball’s popularity, with record-breaking attendance, viewership, and merchandise sales. As one of the most influential figures in the sport, Taurasi helped lay the foundation for this growth.
Taurasi’s Unmatched Achievements and Championship Glory
Known for her confident persona and trademark tight hair bun, Taurasi inspired a generation of players, shattering records and leading teams to championships. She helped lead the University of Connecticut to three consecutive national titles from 2001 to 2004 and continued her dominance in the WNBA after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2004 draft.
Throughout her career, Taurasi led the Mercury to three WNBA championships, earned the 2009 WNBA MVP award, and was named WNBA Finals MVP twice, in 2009 and 2014. She also made the all-WNBA first team 10 times and was a 14-time all-WNBA selection. The 42-year-old holds numerous WNBA records, including most career points (10,646) and playoff records for scoring, field goals, 3-pointers, and 30-point games.
A Global Icon: Euroleague Championships and Olympic Success
In addition to her WNBA achievements, Taurasi claimed six Euroleague championships and earned her record sixth Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games. Her career averages of 18.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds solidified her as one of the most accomplished players in history.
Taurasi’s Legacy as an Ambassador for the Game
Taurasi’s remarkable journey not only marked a prolific playing career but also solidified her legacy as an ambassador for the game. “I did everything to win-I wanted to compete and gain the respect of the people around me,” Taurasi emphasized.
Taurasi to Spend Retirement with Family and Be Honored by the Mercury
Now, as she enjoys retirement, Taurasi will spend more time with her wife, Penny Taylor, a former Mercury teammate, and their two children. In recognition of her incredible contributions to the team, the Phoenix Mercury will induct her into their Ring of Honor this summer, celebrating her as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull has credited her development as a player to the opportunity of sharing the court with Caitlin Clark during the 2024 WNBA season.
In a recent appearance on the Fieldhouse Files podcast with Scott Agness, Hull discussed how playing alongside Clark has improved her awareness, movement, and overall approach to the game.
They can’t guard you! Juju Watkins’ dad fires her up as the POY favorite keeps dominating
Clark, widely regarded as one of the most gifted passers in basketball, has a way of elevating those around her. Hull revealed that this dynamic forced her to stay constantly alert and prepared for opportunities created by Clark‘s playmaking.
“It’s just keeping my hands ready. Keep cutting, keep running the floor,” Hull said. “I think that’s what’s so great about playing with really great point guards-you do the hard work and they make the shots easy.”
Her experience with Clark has reshaped her approach, making her more proactive in finding space and staying engaged in the offense. Now, as she continues to evolve as a player, Hull has applied those lessons to her time playing with another top-tier playmaker, Chelsea Gray, in Unrivaled.
The importance of great point guards
Hull has quickly learned that playing with elite facilitators requires a different level of attentiveness and movement.
Whether it’s Clark‘s precise court vision or Gray‘s ability to create scoring opportunities, Hull has had to refine her positioning, cutting, and finishing to keep up with their elite passing abilities.
“I have confidence that they’re going to find me, and they have confidence that I’ll be in the right spot,” Hull explained. This trust has allowed her to fine-tune her instincts, making her a more efficient and reliable target for playmakers at the highest level.
Clark‘s influence, in particular, has left a lasting mark. Known for threading impossible passes through tight defensive coverage, Clark has pushed Hull to anticipate plays before they happen.
Their growing chemistry on the floor last season provided Hull with better looks at the basket and improved scoring efficiency, setting the stage for a more polished performance in 2025.
Caitlin Clark and boyfriend Connor McCaffery are used to being in the limelight. Despite that, the two of them never forget to look out for those closest to them.
The latest example comes from McCaffery, who took time to show some love for his little brother on Instagram.
“Proud of you lil bro,” Connor wrote in a story to celebrate a post made by his younger brother, Jack.
Connor has reason to be proud of Jack, who is a rising high school player. The 6-foot-8 youngster is a top-100 ranked player in the country for the class of 2025.
His play has seen him receive offers from big school like Virgina Tech and Wake Forest. However, the lure of playing for Butler, where he can play with older brother Patrick and a familiar set of coaches, proved too good of an opportunity to turn down.
Jack is the latest in the McCaffery family to excel in basketball. His father, Fran, has been the head coach of Iowa for more than a decade. Older brother Connor played at Iowa before going into coaching with Butler, while Patrick is now shining at Butler after transferring from Iowa.
Jack carving out his own path
Although his brothers played under dad Fran at Iowa, Jack explained why he went down a different path and decided to play for Butler.
“They had a coach at every single one of my games this summer,” Jack said in an interview. “I felt like they really wanted me.”
Time will tell if the move proves to be the right one as Butler are having a season to forget.
The Bulldogs currently sit with a 13-16 record, with their disappointing 6-12 Big East record a big reason why they’ve struggled.
There are plenty of intriguing storylines heading into the 2025 WNBA season. It will be the first time a subsection of players will come out of the offseason having played competitive basketball, as the Unrivaled Basketball League has done what it was intended to do. One specific player from that league who will have a lot of eyes on her in 2025 is Angel Reese.
The Chicago Sky All-Star is a bit of a polarizing player and personality. On the court, her tenacious playstyle has led to some criticism, as has her offensive repertoire. Off the court, her brash attitude rubs some people the wrong way. But Reese continues to have a lot of fans, especially on social media, where she reigns supreme across various platforms.
Angel Reese’s floor moment stuns teammates as she reacts in unexpected fashion
Angel Reese named “TikTok Barbie” for viral video with Napheesa Collier
Reese hasn’t missed an opportunity to be active on social media while playing for Rose BC in Unrivaled. In fact, she got help from fellow WNBA star Napheesa Collier to put together a stellar recreation of a trending meme.
The Unrivaled social media account felt it apt to dub Reese the “TikTok Barbie“. Reese’s new nickname is a play on her “Bayou Barbie” moniker that came to fruition during her college basketball days at LSU.
“Barbie” appears to always be a part of her nicknames, as the other two that have been given to her are “Chi Barbie” and “Rebounding Barbie“. It’s only a matter of time before she does something noteworthy to get a new one.
A video of Angela Reese and DiJonai Carrington surfaced online, showing the two enjoying their time together in a dressing room. While it remains unclear what they were getting ready for, WNBA fans quickly took to social media to express their excitement about the duo.
“Two of the BADDEST in the game,” one fan tweeted.
“The duo we don’t deserve,” another added.
Angel Reese is turning heads with pregame outfit for Unrivaled
Carrington, who recently won the WNBA’s Most Improved Player of the Year award, has been making headlines of her own. The former Connecticut Sun guard was traded to the Dallas Wings after an impressive season, where she averaged 12.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.
Kevin Love’s comment sparks controversy
Reese’s social media presence has been a hot topic this week, not just because of her interaction with Carrington, but also due to a comment from NBA veteran Kevin Love.
After Reese shared a post listing her ambitious career goals-including being a basketball player, model, influencer, businesswoman, and future billionaire-Love replied, “I’m gonna go ahead and take the under.”
While some fans interpreted his remark as dismissive, others believed it referenced Reese’s past comments about resilience and perseverance. Regardless of the intent, Love’s response sparked debate across social media.
Reese, however, did not address the controversy directly. Instead, she focused on enjoying time with Carrington, further solidifying her position as a rising star both on and off the court.
As Reese gears up for her return to action, WNBA fans will be watching closely-both for her impact on the hardwood and for the off-court moments that continue to captivate audiences.
There is no question that the Philadelphia Eagles are flying high after their Super Bowl LIX win, but one particular player has been getting a lot of respect after his performance in the game and that man is Coope DeJean.
However, there is another sports star that came out of Iowa that has been living up to expectations. Caitlin Clark, a fellow Hawkeye herself, reached out to Cooper to congratulate him for his NFL championship victory as they both showed mutual respect.
Caitlin Clark in conversation among NBA rising stars for WNBA franchise player
With that, DeJean said that he and the Indiana Fever player can take on anyone on a 2-on-2 game between any WNBA and NFL duo. It seems that his confidence has shown even if it means facing a fellow college colleague and from another sport.
The bold statement he made
During an appearance on the CBS Sports with Chris Hassel, the host asked who could play against him and Clark and he did not hesitate to answer. “We’ll take on anybody. Anybody you throw at us and I don’t think it’ll be close. I think me on her on the same team, it’d be an almost unstoppable duo,” he said.
Hassel insisted on whether he could take on players like Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, Justin Jefferson and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese and Cooper said “I’m taking us over anybody! No matter who you say,” as his confidence is sky high after the Super Bowl win.
To end the topic, again Hassel asked “OK, how about this? (Cleveland Browns defensive end) Myles Garrett and (Las Vegas Aces center) A’Ja Wilson?” The NFL player replied “Yeah, that would be tough. I like us, no matter what. Those are two pretty big people, it’d be tough for us being guards and all.” DeJean played basketball, baseball and ran track in addition to playing football while in high school so he has more reasons to feel good about his and Caitlin Clark’s chances.
