“I look so cute”: USC’s JuJu Watkins in awe of her bun as she unboxes her very own vinyl figurine
USC star JuJu Watkins is excelling both on and off the basketball court. Alongside her dominating performances, she is also thriving in the NIL space with big-brand partnerships. She has teamed up with Nike, Gatorade and, most recently, Funko Pop.
"It feels surreal to see myself as a Funko Pop!," JuJu said in a statement. "This is such a fun and exciting way to celebrate my journey through basketball and I hope it brings a little inspiration to other young athletes chasing their dreams."
Watkins became the first active college athlete to have her own Funko Pop collectible.
On Wednesday, Funko Pop's Instagram handle shared a video on social media of JuJu Watkins unboxing her own exclusive Pop.
"Oh my God I look so cute," she said after her first look at the box on Wednesday. "Bro, the bun is perfect I wish my bun look this good all the time.
Watkins also complimented the details of the figure.
"This is crazy. The bun is perfect. You got the little number, the last name in the back and the necklace I didn't even keep that," she added.
The limited-edition Watkins' vinyl collectible is 4.7-inch tall. She is wearing her #12 USC jersey, holding a basketball, and features her signature bun. It is available on the Funko website for $20.00 until Nov. 27.
Funko has previously released Pop figures of famous athletes, including Leo Messi, Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali.
JuJu Watkins to star in an NBC docuseries
JuJu Watkins, a Los Angeles native, is seemingly also making the most of every opportunity outside of the hardwood. NBC Sports announced that she will be in a six-part docuseries, set to air on NBC and Peacock.
Watkins will be the first female college hooper to both star in and produce her own series.
"On the Rise: JuJu Watkins" offers a look into the life of the USC star and how her close family ties give her the energy and motivation to make confident choices, both in her game and her life.
"JuJu can set the standard for excellence on and off the court, and it’s amazing to see her begin to maximize the opportunities in front of her with strategy and expertise, even at this young age," Rich Paul, the founder of KLUTCH Sports Group said.
The pilot and episode two of the series will premiere on Nov. 23, at 3:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock. After that, the rest of the episodes will only be available on Peacock.