USC Trojans star JuJu Watkins was a celebrity mentor and coach at the OT Select Takeover. Her team faced the one mentored by UConn Huskies star KK Arnold.
On social media, a clip of Watkins from the game went viral. The two-time Consensus First-Team All-American was seen motivating her team with a pep talk on the bench. The USC Trojans star made it clear that she did not want to lose to KK Arnold and her team.
“It’s that simple, alright!” Watkins said. “All or nothing. I’m not losing to KK! C’mon!”
In another clip, Watkins asked her players whether they were tired before urging them to lock in and give it their all on the court.
In the end, Team JuJu Watkins clinched a 4-2 victory.
Coming out of Sierra Canyon High School, Watkins was a five-star recruit of the class of 2023. She had offers from programs like Stanford and South Carolina. However, she decided to sign with USC.
During her freshman campaign, Watkins averaged 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. She was honored as the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year after helping her team make it to the Elite Eight.
During the 2024-25 campaign, Watkins once again helped the Trojans to the Elite Eight, where they were eliminated by UConn. She averaged 23.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 3.4 apg. However, the 2025 AP Player of the Year missed the entirety of last season due to an ACL injury.
UCLA coach Cori Close excited for JuJu Watkins’ return from injury
USC’s cross-town rivals, the UCLA Bruins, took advantage of JuJu Watkins’ absence last season. Cori Close’s team ended up being crowned national champions following a 79-51 victory over South Carolina in the final.
Last month, Close spoke about Watkins’ rehabilitation process while also expressing her joy at being a part of the USC-UCLA rivalry.
“I’m excited about her,” Close said. “I’m so pumped to be a part of the USC-UCLA rivalry. The reason it’s really fun is both team, both sets of coaches, are really really good.
“I’m excited to have JuJu back. She’s going to make me a better coach, she’s going to make us game plan more strategically and she’s going to help us grow women’s basketball in LA.”
Last season, under fifth-year coach Lindsay Gottlieb, the USC Trojans qualified for March Madness. However, their quest for a national championship ended after a second-round loss to South Carolina.
Read More: “Had A Tough Go Of It”: Geno Auriemma Shares Update On Returning Star’s Comeback From Injury
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