Dominique Darius’ March decision to enter the transfer portal has sparked intense speculation among USC women’s basketball fans, particularly regarding her relationship with standout guard JuJu Watkins. Darius, once a regular starter and key piece of the rotation, experienced a shifting role as Watkins emerged as the team’s dominant force.
Although Darius remained in the mix, her inconsistent minutes late in the season raised questions. As USC eyes greater success next year, Darius’ exit has fueled rumors of internal friction, with fans having their own theories and reservations regarding the whole scenario.
Fan Theories Fly as Dominique Darius Departs USC Amid Potential Friction with Juju Watkins
Fan speculation has erupted across social media platforms as USC women’s basketball players Dominique Darius and Avery Howell enter the transfer portal, with theories centering on potential team discourse.
“I been [sic] seeing a lot of USC fans talk about some drama involving Avery and Domi talking badly about JuJu,” one Reddit user posted, igniting a thread of theories.
The most prevalent speculation suggests tension between Darius and star player JuJu Watkins.
“Apparently Dominique Darius in her YouTube video was saying she transferred because she felt unheard and undervalued,” wrote one commenter. “People are saying she’s jealous of Juju, and Juju actually unfollowed her, so maybe there’s some merit there.”
Another fan elaborated, “They were on TikTok live saying that they contributed to the team in ways that were overlooked and unnoticed, and they didn’t feel important enough.”
Not all fans are buying into the drama narrative, though. Some point to practical considerations behind the transfers.
“Dom stated before the season started that she was redshirting to save her final year of eligibility, so she can transfer to a school she believes will help her pursue her dream of playing in the WNBA,” one USC-flaired commenter defended.
Fans cite less controversial motivations regarding Howell’s move to Washington.
“Was always in her top 3 when she was first getting recruited. She said she had a really good relationship with the head coach, closer to home.”
Perhaps the most explosive theory came from a commenter citing what could be insider information.
“Someone on the USC message board strongly suggested that the freshmen left bc they didn’t like the way Gottlieb treated different players. Didn’t hold everyone to the same level of accountability,” one comment reads.
Darius’ transfer is part of a broader wave of changes for USC women’s basketball, which is grappling with significant roster shifts.
RELATED: Is JuJu Watkins Staying at USC After Season-Ending Injury? What’s Next for the Star Guard?
In March 2025, star guard JuJu Watkins suffered a season-ending ACL tear during the NCAA Tournament, potentially sidelining her for the 2025-2026 season.
Key transfers include freshman Avery Howell (7.5 PPG), Aaliyah Gayles, and Kayleigh Heckel (6.1 PPG). Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb now faces the challenge of rebuilding. Depth remains a concern.
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