USC Women's Basketball: JuJu Watkins Already Impacting Next Generation

Matt Levine | Mar 29, 2024

USC v Kansas / Jayne Kamin-Oncea/GettyImages

The USC women's basketball team has taken college basketball by storm this season, led by spetacular freshman guard JuJu Watkins. Watkins has come in from the jump to make her mark on the sport, helping to lead USC to the Sweet Sixteen.

The Trojans have been one of the better teams in the country all year long, with Watkins taking charge. In 32 games this season, Watkins has averaged 26.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.

Her play has been inspirational on the court, but it's what she has been doing for the game off the court that is truly incredble. Watkins has been inspiring the next generation of young girls to play basketball, showing them that anything is possible.

As the LA legend of USC’s JuJu Watkins grows, she’s becoming an inspiration for countless young girls in the area — some who’ve started playing basketball after watching her.

Spoke with some at Galen this last month, and Watkins, on this phenomenon:https://t.co/4dQpYQdeGy

— Luca Evans (@bylucaevans) March 28, 2024

Watkins understands the impact that she is making on the community, knowing she needs to show out everytime on the floor. Not too long ago, she was the little kid in the stands, waiting for her chance to show what she could do.

“However I’m feeling,” Watkins said, “I make sure I do something extra for somebody who’s probably coming to see us for the first time.”

Watkins has taken the leadership role in stride, waering it as a badge of honor. She wants others to emulate her attitude and it's shown off the court. Former Trojans legend Cheryl Miller spoke about what Watkins has meant to the game and community.

“I think she’s quite aware that she never, ever wants a young lady to leave thinking, ‘Well, that’s really JuJu? Is that who she is?’ And then act out in some way that’s not appropriate,” USC program legend Cheryl Miller said in a February conversation with the Southern California News Group. “And that’s a huge responsibility on someone so young. But I think JuJu understands that.”

The Trojans are lucky to have Watkins on their team, both on and off the court of play. She has demonstrated the best of herself all year long and it has helped earn her a major national spotlight.