Star Freshman JuJu Watkins Leads USC Women’s Basketball to Top Seed

By Ysa Panganiban Last updated Mar 20, 2024 Share with new partner:

JuJu Watkins is embarking on her first NCAA Tournament with a deep appreciation for the journey that led her to this point.

The star freshman from Southern California had a remarkable debut season, emerging as the nation’s second-leading scorer while playing a pivotal role for the Trojans, who secured a No. 1 seed. Along the way, Watkins became one of the prominent figures in women’s college basketball.

Reflecting on her experience, Watkins expressed gratitude for the high level of competition she faced in her inaugural year. She highlighted the thrill of facing top-tier opponents and expressed joy in being able to hit the ground running.

JuJu Watkins’ NCAA Debut

Star-freshman-juju-watkins-leads-usc-women's-basketball-to-top-seed — JuJu Watkins is embarking on her first NCAA Tournament with a deep appreciation for the journey that led her to this point. The star freshman from Southern California had a remarkable debut season, emerging as the nation’s second-leading scorer while playing a pivotal role for the Trojans, who secured a No. 1 seed.

Her standout performance was evident during the recent Pac-12 women’s tournament, where USC clinched the title with a 74-61 victory over Stanford.

Watkins’ remarkable journey to the NCAA Tournament was marked by consistent excellence. She made an immediate impact, showcasing her skills with impressive crossovers, drives to the basket, and floaters.

Her debut game against Ohio State on Nov. 6, where she scored 32 points, set the tone for a season filled with standout performances. Notably, she scored a season-high 51 points in a road victory against Stanford on Feb. 2.

Coaches and analysts have praised Watkins for her unique skill set and athleticism. Standing at about six feet tall, with additional height from her bun, Watkins is a dynamic player who can handle the ball adeptly, create space, and has improved her shooting since high school.

Her ability to attack the basket relentlessly makes her a challenging player to defend against.Throughout the season, Watkins joined the ranks of other standout players in women’s college basketball, such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink.

A Beacon of Loyalty and Dedication to USC

Their collective talent and captivating performances have helped elevate the profile of women’s basketball, garnering well-deserved attention and recognition.

Looking ahead, Watkins remains focused on her college career, despite the allure of the WNBA. While the league’s rules would allow her to leave for the professional ranks earlier, Watkins is content with her current path.

She values her newfound stardom, enjoys the college atmosphere, and appreciates the opportunity to benefit from initiatives like Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) in college sports.

For now, Watkins is fully committed to USC and her teammates, relishing the college basketball experience. Her dedication and passion for the game are evident, and she looks forward to continuing her journey with the Trojans, making the most of every moment on campus.