The USC Trojans women’s basketball team returned to the NCAA Tournament but suffered a first-round loss to South Dakota State. Nonetheless, there is a ton of excitement for this program moving forward, and USC signee Juju Watkins is one of the main reasons why.
Watkins is a part of the first USA women’s team at the Nike Hoop Summit, and her arrival there brought a humbling reaction (h/t Marc Spears of Andscape). Watkins didn’t play in the summit due to concerns about an ankle injury, but the selection to the team meant a lot to her.
“It always means something to wear USA on your chest,” Watkins said. Whenever you’re wearing it, you’re representing ladies, all the Olympians and junior USA players. So, to be a part of that bigger legacy is very empowering.”
Watkins is largely considered the No. 1 recruit in the entire class. She was named the 2023 Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Girls Player of the Year.
Trojan head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, who has turned the program around, couldn’t stop raving about Watkins’ talent:
“Juju is a transcendent talent,” Gottlieb said. “With her size and skill level, she does things on the court that are exceptional. But she makes them look seamless.”
The Sierra Canyon High School star also opened up on her decision to play at USC. It’s a local decision:
“I’m big on repping from where I come from. So, to be able to wear USC across my chest and represent my community and where I come from, it’s important.”
The men’s team landed Isaiah Collier and the women’s team brought in Juju Watkins. Both players have very high ceilings, the best possible news for USC hoops’ two rising programs.
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