USC’s fresh talent, JuJu Watkins, has excelled in her inaugural season with the Trojans, earning various individual accolades. Making a significant impact on the team, Watkins and the Trojans are on their way to the Sweet 16 for the first time since the 1993-1994 campaign.
It’s interesting to note that in 1994, WNBA luminaries Lisa Leslie and Tina Thompson played key roles for USC, with standout Cheryl Miller briefly taking on the head coach position.
In a remarkable feat, Watkins surpassed Miller to claim the USC Trojan’s historical single-scoring record in her debut season. Amidst a pool of talented freshmen in NCAA Women’s basketball, Watkins has showcased potential to emerge as the next star of her generation. Standing at the forefront is Cheryl Miller, her primary advocate and guide throughout her journey.
It’s heartening to witness former trailblazers mentoring and supporting the young stars emerging in today’s game. Watkins embodies toughness and grit, possessing the qualities needed to achieve greatness.
While she’s just at the initial stages of her journey, Watkins is a rising sensation in the sport. The continued engagement and belief of Cheryl Miller in the USC program and Watkins is truly remarkable.
Referring to Miller as the “goat,” Watkins shared her thoughts on the icon after their triumph in the first round.
“She trusts in my mentality,” Watkins expressed to the media. “I think we’re similar in some ways, as far as the competitiveness to want to win. She’s always encouraged that, and encouraged me never to lose that.” (March Madness PR)
Watkins set numerous USC records in her freshman season
Watkins is a player to adore for various reasons. Not only did she lead her team to victory against Stanford for the Pac-12 Championship, but she also continued to break USC’s records.
Her unforgettable 51-point outburst against Stanford resonated across the basketball community, marking her as the first Trojan to achieve such a feat in a game.
Despite scoring a season-low of nine points in the conference championship, her mere presence on the court wields a significant impact. Her innate ability to contribute across various statistics showcases her maturity in handling pressure at a tender age.
Averaging 26.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in her debut year, the Los Angeles native rejuvenates the enthusiasm in the city. Under the guidance of coach Lindsay Gottlieb, USC broke an eight-year dry spell to secure a second consecutive NCAA appearance.
While the Trojans faced early exits in the previous seasons under coaches Cynthia Cooper and Mark Trakh, the pairing of Watkins and Gottlieb hints at something special brewing. The blend of talents around Watkins, including Harvard transfer McKenzie Forbes, signifies a promising future for the Trojans.
Amidst the buzz surrounding USC, Watkins was selected for the AP All-American first team. Standing alongside luminaries like Caitlin Clark (Iowa), Paige Bueckers (UConn), Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame), and Cameron Brink (Stanford) is a testament to her prowess.
She surpasses Cheryl Miller for USC’s single-season scoring record
A total of 833 points is a remarkable feat. While the limelight often shifts towards other female athletes in basketball, it’s players like Watkins and other up-and-coming freshmen who will shape the future trajectory of women’s basketball.
Concluding her stellar debut campaign with the third-highest point total among freshmen in NCAA history, Watkins ranked below only Kelsey Mitchell from Ohio State (873 points) and Tina Hutchinson from San Diego State, the all-time leader.
Enterinɡ the NCAA tournament as the top seed for the first time since 1986, the Trojans clashed with the 16th-seeded Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in Regional 3 at Portland. Holding AMCC to a mere four points in the opening quarter, Watkins spearheaded the charge with 23 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Despite her cold streak from beyond the arc, Watkins displayed precision in the mid-range shots. Her adeptness in sharing the ball on fast breaks and driving towards the basket underscores her versatility.
As the nation’s second-leading scorer, Watkins is a formidable offensive presence, capable of scoring from any position on the court. With USC establishing dominance, they progress to the Sweet 16.
Watkins and USC advance to the Sweet 16
Watkins has delivered multiple MVP-caliber performances this season, showcasing her two-way impact on the game. Though critics may cite a significant talent difference between the teams, her four blocks and two steals testify to her defensive prowess, further supported by the 14 combined steals and blocks from the Trojan team.
In the round of 32 showdown with Kansas on Monday night, Watkins orchestrated a double-double performance, guiding USC to a 73-55 win. Displaying a diverse skill set, Watkins maneuvered around screens, showcased her prowess in driving through traffic, and excelled in scoring from all areas of the court.
Her stellar performance forced Kansas to switch to a zone defense in an attempt to contain her offensive onslaught. Concluding the game with 28 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and two steals, Watkins demonstrated her all-around capabilities.
Confidence is key to JuJu Watkins’s success
“It’s important to have confidence,” Watkins emphasized. “I have a lot of confidence in this team. It’s a lot on the line. But at the end of the day, I trust my teammates and I are going to get the job done.” I didn’t know what to expect. Still don’t really know what to expect. I’m just here for the ride, knowing what I need to do every game. I’m just going to give all I can, and hopefully, that ends with the result that we want.” (March Madness PR)
Unstoppable on the court, Watkins poses a formidable challenge for opposing teams on the defensive end. Leading the USC Trojans as the no. 1 seed underscores her impact and influence on the team. Together with other top seeds like Iowa, South Carolina, and Texas, Watkins aims to propel her team to a successful run in the tournament.
Facing Baylor next, USC anticipates a thrilling encounter that could potentially lead them to a showdown with either Connecticut or Duke in the elite eight. As South Carolina emerges as a formidable contender, USC’s fate remains uncertain, but Watkins remains primed for the challenge.
