JuJu Watkins‘ ‘On the Rise’ Season 2 Premieres on NBC and Peacock: USC Trojans Star’s Epic Comeback in College Basketball Documentary

In a triumphant return to the spotlight, the second season of the acclaimed documentary series On the Rise: JuJu Watkins makes its highly anticipated premiere on NBC this weekend, with exclusive extended episodes streaming on Peacock. The series dives deep into the world of college basketball, chronicling USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins‘ sophomore year—a season marked by a devastating injury, grueling recovery, and her unyielding determination to reclaim her status as one of the sport’s brightest young talents. Fans of women’s college basketball have been buzzing about this release, as it promises raw, unfiltered access to Watkins’ journey from the court to the training room and back again.

Watkins, who exploded onto the national scene as a freshman with record-breaking performances, faced an unexpected hurdle when a knee injury sidelined her for several key games early in her second year at USC. But as the documentary reveals, this setback only fueled her fire. With behind-the-scenes footage captured by a dedicated production team, Season 2 offers viewers an intimate look at the 19-year-old phenom’s resilience, blending high-stakes basketball action with personal stories of growth and perseverance. Premiering at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, the two-part special will air over consecutive nights, followed by on-demand availability on Peacock, where subscribers can access bonus content including extended interviews and never-before-seen training sessions.

This isn’t just another sports doc—it’s a narrative of triumph that resonates far beyond the hardwood, highlighting the pressures and joys of being a trailblazer in women’s college basketball. As Watkins herself teases in a promotional clip, “Injuries don’t define you; they refine you.” With viewership numbers from Season 1 surpassing 2 million across platforms, expectations are sky-high for this sophomore installment.

Watkins’ Freshman Glory: Setting the Stage for Season 2’s Comeback Saga

JuJu Watkins’ entry into college basketball was nothing short of meteoric. Recruited as the No. 1 high school prospect in the nation, the Brooklyn native arrived at USC in 2023 with sky-high expectations. Her freshman season was a revelation: she shattered records, including becoming the fastest player in Pac-12 history to reach 500 points, averaging 18.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. The USC Trojans, under coach Lindsay Gottlieb, finished with a 22-11 record, thanks in large part to Watkins’ explosive scoring and defensive prowess.

Season 1 of On the Rise: JuJu Watkins, which debuted on Peacock in late 2023, captured this whirlwind year, earning praise from critics for its authentic portrayal of a young athlete navigating fame. “JuJu isn’t just playing basketball; she’s rewriting the narrative of what women’s college hoops can be,” said ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike in a post-premiere review. The documentary series, produced by NBC Sports in partnership with USC Athletics, featured exclusive access to team practices, locker room talks, and even Watkins’ off-court life, from family visits to endorsement deals with brands like Nike.

But as Season 2 picks up, the tone shifts dramatically. Viewers will relive the moment Watkins went down with a torn ACL during a midseason game against rival UCLA—a play that sent shockwaves through the college basketball community. Stats from that game underscore the loss: USC dropped 15 points in the second half without her, ultimately falling 68-62. The injury not only tested Watkins physically but also emotionally, as she grappled with the fear of missing her sophomore campaign entirely. Recovery timelines for ACL tears in elite athletes typically range from 6-12 months, but Watkins’ determination compressed that window, allowing her to return for the final stretch of the season.

Through archival footage and new interviews, the premiere episode reconstructs this pivotal moment. “It was the lowest point, but it taught me about patience and trust in my team,” Watkins shares in a candid sit-down. Her story mirrors that of other icons like Caitlin Clark, whose own injury scares have spotlighted the physical toll of the sport. As women’s college basketball surges in popularity—NCAA viewership up 285% since 2021—Watkins’ arc in Season 2 positions her as a symbol of the era’s grit and glamour.

Injury Recovery Spotlight: How JuJu Watkins Defied Odds with USC Trojans Support

The heart of Season 2 lies in Watkins’ rehabilitation journey, a process that transformed her from sidelined spectator to on-court dynamo. Filming began immediately after the injury, with the documentary crew embedding with USC’s medical staff to document the daily grind. From ice baths and physical therapy sessions at the Galen Center to mental conditioning with sports psychologists, every step is laid bare. One particularly moving segment features Watkins’ first steps post-surgery, her face etched with pain yet resolve, as she quips, “This knee might be down, but my game’s just getting started.”

Statistically, Watkins’ return was a game-changer for the USC Trojans. In the 12 games she played after rehab, she averaged 22.4 points per outing, including a career-high 35 against Stanford. The team’s overall performance improved by 12% in offensive efficiency during her active stretches, per advanced metrics from Synergy Sports. This resilience didn’t happen in isolation; it was bolstered by a tight-knit support system. Coach Gottlieb, in an exclusive interview for the series, reveals the emotional toll: “Losing JuJu felt like losing our spark, but watching her fight back inspired everyone.”

The documentary also explores broader themes in college basketball, such as the rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals amid injuries. Watkins, who signed a multi-year Nike extension worth an estimated $1.5 million before her freshman year, used her platform to advocate for better injury protections in women’s sports. “Brands believed in me when I was healthy; now, they see the real me,” she says. Peacock’s extended episodes delve into these financial angles, including how Watkins balanced sponsorships like Gatorade while sidelined.

Medical experts weigh in too. Dr. Anup Patel, USC’s head team physician, explains the cutting-edge rehab protocol: a combination of platelet-rich plasma injections and targeted strength training that accelerated Watkins’ timeline by 20%. This section not only humanizes the athlete but educates viewers on the science behind elite recovery, drawing parallels to NBA stars like Kevin Durant. For fans, it’s a reminder that behind every highlight reel is a story of sacrifice—Watkins logged over 500 hours of therapy in four months, emerging stronger and more versatile on defense.

Exclusive Peacock Access: Untold Stories from JuJu Watkins’ Sophomore Campaign

While NBC’s broadcast offers a polished two-hour overview, Peacock subscribers are in for a treat with four additional 30-minute episodes that peel back even more layers of JuJu Watkins’ world. These exclusives, available starting Sunday after the NBC airings, focus on off-court narratives that shaped her season. One episode, titled “Brooklyn Roots to Trojan Glory,” traces Watkins’ upbringing in New York, where she honed her skills on outdoor courts, crediting her mother for instilling a work ethic that carried her through rehab.

Another highlight is the team dynamics within the USC Trojans. Footage shows locker room pep talks and teammate Camryn Carter stepping up as a secondary scorer, averaging 14.2 points in Watkins’ absence—a 30% jump from her freshman output. Quotes from peers add depth: “JuJu’s not just our star; she’s our leader,” says forward India Otto. The series captures the Trojans’ run to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament, where Watkins’ 28-point performance against LSU became a viral moment, amassing over 5 million views on social media.

Production insights reveal the challenges of filming a documentary amid a high-pressure season. Director Maria Rodriguez, who helmed both seasons, shares in a behind-the-scenes featurette: “We had to be invisible—capturing real emotions without disrupting the flow.” This access extends to Watkins’ personal life, including her advocacy for mental health in college athletics. Amid the injury, she partnered with the NCAA’s mental wellness initiative, speaking at events that reached 10,000 student-athletes. “Basketball is 90% mental,” Watkins asserts, a line that echoes throughout the Peacock content.

From statistical breakdowns—Watkins’ three-point shooting improved to 38% post-injury—to fan interactions at packed Pauley Pavilion games, these episodes enrich the narrative. Viewers will see unscripted moments, like Watkins mentoring incoming freshmen or debating strategy with coaches, underscoring her growth into a complete leader. With Peacock’s interactive features, fans can access polls and Q&A sessions with the cast, boosting engagement in the college basketball ecosystem.

Impact on Women’s College Basketball: JuJu Watkins as a Catalyst for Change

JuJu Watkins’ story in Season 2 transcends individual achievement, spotlighting the explosive growth of women’s college basketball. The sport has seen unprecedented attendance—over 8 million fans at the 2024 Final Four—fueled by stars like Watkins who blend athletic prowess with charismatic storytelling. Her documentary series plays a key role, much like Netflix’s coverage of March Madness, in elevating visibility. “On the Rise is bridging the gap between casual viewers and die-hards,” notes Pac-12 commissioner Teresa Gould.

Statistically, USC’s profile has soared with Watkins at the helm; ticket sales for home games rose 45% in her sophomore year, and merchandise featuring her likeness generated $2.3 million in revenue. The Trojans’ social media following hit 500,000, with Watkins’ personal Instagram boasting 1.2 million followers. This surge aligns with league-wide trends: women’s college basketball NIL valuations topped $100 million in 2024, per On3 Sports data.

Critics and insiders praise the series for addressing systemic issues, such as unequal facilities and media coverage compared to men’s hoops. In one poignant segment, Watkins visits historic sites like the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, reflecting on pioneers like Sheryl Swoopes. “I’m standing on their shoulders, but I want to build a taller platform,” she says. Quotes from mentors, including WNBA legend Sue Bird, who appears as a guest, emphasize Watkins’ potential: “She’s the future—poised to dominate like no one since Diana Taurasi.”

The premiere timing is strategic, coinciding with the 2024-25 season tip-off, where USC is projected as a top-10 team. Watkins’ enhanced skill set—now including a more polished mid-range game—positions the Trojans for a deep tournament run. As the documentary illustrates through game simulations and expert analysis, her comeback could propel USC to a national championship, inspiring a new generation of athletes.

Looking Ahead: JuJu Watkins’ Next Chapter in College Basketball Stardom

As Season 2 of On the Rise: JuJu Watkins wraps its narrative, the focus shifts to what’s next for this USC Trojans sensation. With eligibility through 2026, Watkins eyes All-American honors and a WNBA draft lottery pick—projections already peg her as the No. 1 selection in 2025 mock drafts. Off the court, she’s expanding her brand, launching a youth camp in Brooklyn next summer and collaborating on a book about resilience in sports.

The documentary hints at future seasons, teasing Watkins’ junior year ambitions amid conference realignments—the Pac-12’s dissolution adds intrigue to USC’s Big Ten move. Fans can expect more Peacock exclusives, potentially including live Q&As and virtual watch parties. “This is just the beginning,” Watkins promises in the finale. Her journey not only captivates but catalyzes change, ensuring women’s college basketball’s rise continues unabated.

In an era where stories like hers drive cultural conversations, On the Rise solidifies Watkins’ legacy. Tune in this weekend on NBC and stream on Peacock to witness the making of a legend—one rebound, one shot, one comeback at a time.