The world of college basketball has a new leading lady, and she’s got the energy of a rockstar, the skills of a pro, and the charisma to bring an entire era of women’s basketball along with her. JuJu Watkins, USC’s fiery 6-foot-2 guard, isn’t just playing the game; she’s rewriting the rules and setting standards that demand attention. In a recent interview with Boardroom TV, JuJu made it clear: the USC Trojans aren’t here to mess around—they’re here to dominate.
“We’re kinda hot right now,” JuJu said with a grin, undoubtedly referencing not just the Southern California sun but the undeniable heat this Trojans team brings. USC, she assures, is more than a team; it’s a movement, a force that fans will regret missing. Her words echo with a promise—either hop on the Trojan train or get ready to watch it steam past you.
Last season, JuJu’s high-flying plays took USC all the way to the Elite Eight, setting the Pac-12 ablaze before running into the relentless UConn Huskies. JuJu’s 27 points weren’t enough to avoid a narrow 80-73 loss to UConn, but it was a “loss” only on the scoreboard. In reality, it set the stage for a Trojan takeover this season.
The Dream Team USC Built Around JuJu
The Trojans didn’t just sit back over the summer and bask in last year’s achievements. No, they went all out in the offseason like a kid with a blank check in a candy store. USC retained rebounding dynamo Rayah Marshall, known for cleaning the glass like a vacuum, and added scoring machine Kiki Iriafen, alongside the playmaking wizardry of Talia von Oelhoffen from the transfer portal. Oh, and did we mention seven new recruits, including three five-star guards—Kayleigh Heckel, Kennedy Smith, and Avery Howell? Let’s just say the Trojans’ roster is stacked and ready to make anyone think twice before taking them on.
They’re so good that even the Associated Press has taken notice, ranking them No. 3 in the preseason poll. And if you ask JuJu, this is just the beginning. She’s not just focused on her own journey; she’s committed to lifting the entire sport along with her. “It’s not even about my career,” she admitted, “but women’s basketball as a whole. Seeing how far it’s come and how far it’s going—that’s the real thrill here.”
A Future Naismith Winner in the Making?
JuJu is on everyone’s radar as a favorite for the Naismith Women’s Player of the Year award, with some tough competition from Paige Bueckers of UConn and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo. But with her deadly averages last season—27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game—JuJu is looking poised to turn that competition into nothing more than a footnote on her rise to fame.
And the cherry on top? USC will kick off their season against No. 20 Ole Miss in the Attack Oui Play Game at Adidas Arena in Paris on Nov. 4. Yep, you heard right—they’re taking this show international. Paris better be ready because USC and JuJu are about to serve up a sizzling slice of American hoops.
So, the question remains: Is JuJu Watkins the key to a USC national title? Or is she simply a sign that a new golden age of women’s college basketball has dawned? You be the judge—just don’t say we didn’t warn you. This era is here, it’s loud, and it’s definitely making waves.