IN PHOTOS: USC star JuJu Watkins spotted in stylish fit to throw ceremonial first pitch at Dodgers vs. Angeles game
USC Trojans star player JuJu Watkins swapped basketball for a baseball at Dodger Stadium. She threw out a ceremonial pitch on Saturday night before the Freeway Series game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Watkins wore a monochromatic outfit of an off-white cropped top, beige cargo pants and a personalized Dodgers jersey. As per the Sports Inquirer, Watkins threw the pitch with her left hand because of a sprained right index finger.
However, despite the sprain, she warmed up with her right hand and ended up throwing the pitch with her dominant hand to throw a strike to pitcher Gavin Stone.
“This is probably the most nervous I’ve ever been,” she said as per the Sports Inquirer. “Basketball comes easy, not baseball.”
“I always see it on social media,” she said. “Never did I think I would be throwing a pitch.”
Watkins emerged as one of the top-performing players in last year's women's basketball season.
She helped her team win the Pac-12 championship but couldn't appear in the Final Four round of the NCAAW tournament. Despite the loss, JuJu Watkins has become the face of the sport.
Therefore, she talked about the impact she's had on the sport after the ceremonial pitch.
“The women in the sport are incredible and just to see the rise of the game, it’s so inspiring,” she said. “It’s definitely a collective effort. I wouldn’t say I hold any sole responsibility. Just make sure I’m doing my part.”
JuJu Watkins gets complimented by Jay Z for her basketball prowess
The USC Trojans star visited the headquarters of Roc Nation to drop off some jerseys, magazines and other merchandise items. There, she got on a video call with Jay Z, who recognized her impact on the game of women's basketball.
"You go hard," Jay Z told the Trojans star. "You got a tough game. You got game like a grown a** man."
He also told Watkins that he would try to take time out of his busy schedule to attend one of her games.
JuJu Watkins will be back on the Trojans squad with the goal of winning the national championship. She averaged 27.1 points with 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists last year.
Are you excited to see her play in the upcoming season of college basketball? Let's know your thoughts in the comments section: