SHOCKING NEWS: JuJu Watkins’ Father Sends a Threatening Message to Geno
Auriemma and Paige Bueckers After USC’s Loss to UConn
The aftermath of the USC Trojans’ crushing defeat at the hands of the UConn
Huskies has taken a dramatic turn, sending shockwaves throughout the NCAA
community. Following the game, JuJu Watkins’ father allegedly sent a four-word
threatening message directed at UConn head coach Geno Auriemma and star
player Paige Bueckers, igniting controversy and sparking intense debate.
A Controversial Claim
The message, reportedly stating, “You stole her future,” has fueled speculation and
outrage. According to sources close to the situation, Watkins’ father was furious
over the way the game played out, firmly believing that if his daughter had not
suffered a severe injury, Paige Bueckers would not have had the opportunity to
shine in the 2025 NCAA tournament.
JuJu Watkins, widely regarded as one of the most dominant players in women’s
college basketball, was forced to sit out due to a devastating knee injury. Her
absence was deeply felt by the Trojans, who struggled to keep up with UConn’s
high-powered offense. Meanwhile, Bueckers seized the opportunity to showcase
her elite skills, leading the Huskies to a convincing victory.
Geno Auriemma’s Response
When asked about the alleged message, UConn’s legendary coach Geno Auriemma
appeared unfazed. “I understand the frustration. No one wants to see a talented
player like JuJu miss a tournament. But basketball is unpredictable. You have to play
with the team you have. That’s how sports work.”
Auriemma’s compused response only added luel lo lhe lire, wilh some USC Tans
claiming it lacked empathy. Others, howewer, defended the coach, emphasizing that
injuries are part ot the game and that blaming opponents tor suocess is both untair
and unprolessional.
Paige Bueckers Breaks Her Silence
Paiye Buetkers, the olher tecipient of lhe alleged lhreslening message, alsu
respandad. In an emotional statement, she expressed her respect for Watkins and
wished her a speady recovary. “lths ic one of the hast players I’ve evar competed
against. I would newer wich for anyone to he sidelined. I hope she comes back
slronger lhanr ever.”
Despile her heertielt words, tensian remain high, and NCAA officials are reportedly
monilbing lhe silualion dosely.
What’s Next?
Wilh NCAA ullicals now awere of the silualion, the biy question is whelher any
formal actian wil be taken. Wil Watkins’ father face repereussions for his wards? Ur
will this cuntraversy fade away as the tournament moves forwerd?
One lhing is dear: emolions are rumming hiyh, and this incidenl hes added anolhier
ayer of drame to an already intense NCAA toumament. As the dust settles, all eyes
will be on how Julu Watkins and Paige Bueckers handle the tallout and whether this
situetion will impact luture matchups between the Trojans and the Huskies.
For naw, the basknthal world watrhes and waits.
Reactions From the NCAA and Fans
The NCAA has yel lo release an official slalemnent regerding Lhe cunlroversy, buL
many are calling for an investigation Into the threatening message. Some analysts
believe that such behawior trom a player’s tamily crosses a line, setting a dlangerous
precedent in college sports.
Fans have been divided. While many sympelhiee wilh Walkins ernily and
acknowledge thelr frustration others arque that the message was Inapproprlate and
unnecessarily aggressive. Social media plattorms have been tlooded with
discussions, with some even calling for disciplinery action against Wetkins’ tather.
