It was recently announced that USC women's basketball star JuJu Watkins was selected to the Associated Press All-America team, via ESPN. Watkins enjoyed a terrific season and was rewarded as a result. Her future is bright to say the least. USC women's basketball head coach Lindsay Gottlieb reacted to Watkins' honor, via ESPN.
"She set her own bar so high last year and then she managed to surpass it," Gottlieb said. "She has the ability to lock in and get to a zone, raise her own level and galvanize those around her. Above all else, she's a winner."
With the NCAA Tournament set to begin, Gottlieb's comments will catch the attention of opponents. Watkins is ready to lead the Trojans into March Madness.
JuJu Watkins had a tremendous 2024-25 season
Winning a championship is USC's primary goal at the moment. Even if they fall short of that goal, however, the 2024-25 season was incredibly impressive for Watkins.
The 19-year-old averaged 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.9 blocks per game. She also shot 42.6 percent from the field and 33 percent from beyond the arc. She has continued to improve as a long-range shooter, and Watkins' overall scoring ability is special. Additionally, Watkins plays a pivotal role on the defensive end of the floor while also getting teammates involved offensively.
She is becoming an all-around great player. Watkins continues to take steps forward in her career, and she has a realistic opportunity to be a star at the WNBA level someday. For now, Watkins is establishing herself as arguably the best player in women's college basketball.
Watkins, USC women's basketball ready for NCAA Tournament
USC women's basketball will enter the NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 overall seed. Their first March Madness game is scheduled for Saturday against No. 16 UNC Greensboro. The chances of an upset coming to fruition are slim, but it is called March Madness for a reason. Upsets occur on a surprisingly consistent basis in the NCAA Tournament, so USC cannot afford to take their opponent for granted.
In the end, this USC team features the potential to earn a national championship. It would not be surprising to see them make a deep run in the tournament. The Trojans will proceed with extreme confidence as JuJu Watkins leads the way.
USC's first game of the tournament is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 3 PM EST.