Watch: DeMar DeRozan spotted coaching USC star JuJu Watkins during NBA offseason
Ahead of his first season with the Sacramento Kings, star forward DeMar DeRozan recently traveled to his alma mater, USC. There, he was spotted coaching Trojans women's basketball star guard JuJu Watkins.
DeRozan joined Sacramento on a three-year, $73.9 million contract last month, leaving the Chicago Bulls via a sign-and-trade deal. The move relocated the six-time All-Star to his home state of California, where he attended USC for one year in the 2008-09 season.
On Thursday, DeRozan posted an Instagram story featuring himself working with Watkins alongside Kings assistant coach Doug Christie at his alma mater. In the clip, the veteran forward shows Watkins how to create separation from a defender before attempting a midrange jumper.
After being drafted No. 9 out of USC in the 2009 NBA draft, DeRozan made a name for himself with his midrange game. He has consistently expanded his offensive repertoire, improving his playmaking in recent years.
So, DeRozan's mentorship should pay dividends for Watkins as she prepares for her sophomore season at USC. She is coming off a dominant freshman season, winning Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and establishing herself as one of women's college basketball's premier stars.
Over 34 games, Watkins averaged 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.3 steals, 1.6 blocks and 2.0 3-pointers per game, shooting 40.1%.
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DeMar DeRozan also worked out with Domantas Sabonis at USC
DeMar DeRozan also linked up with his new Kings co-star Domantas Sabonis during his trip to USC.
On Monday, the duo was spotted participating in various offensive drills with NBA skills trainer Johnny Stephene. Those include working on dribbling moves and pick-and-rolls to free up DeRozan for midrange jumpers.
Afterward, Sabonis noted that he planned to spend the entire week getting acquainted with his new teammate.
"It was good," Sabonis said. "First workout with DeMar. Flew in last night in LA. Going to be here for the week with him and just try to get to know our games and kind of pick and choose the spots we like and try and get the best out of it."
Despite its strong record (46-36), Sacramento narrowly missed this year's playoffs, finishing ninth in the Western Conference. So, DeRozan's addition is expected to help the franchise get over the hump and make the postseason for the second time in three years.
He and Sabonis are projected to form a Big 3 of sorts alongside star point guard De'Aaron Fox. While defense may be a concern, the Kings should be among the league's top offensive teams.
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