"It's all overwhelming": JuJu Watkins' mom gives an insight into USC star's life in school
Behind her record-setting freshman season and ability to constantly top the charts, JuJu Watkins has become one of the biggest women's college basketball sensations. Born and brought up in Los Angeles, the USC Trojans star is living the dream plenty want to at just 19 years old.
However, according to her mother, Sari Watkins, the guard's popularity only makes things tougher for her due to the pressure of academics and becoming a better basketball player.
"It's all overwhelming, you've gotta balance," Sari Watkins said on Episode 4 of NBC's On the Rise: JuJu Watkins. "School is a little tougher, workouts are tougher and you're trying to learn that while rope of things."
Watkins had similar sentiments about her schedule, citing that it even keeps her from basic outings like shopping:
"I'm tired a lot. A lot of my schedule is just jam-packed," Watkins said. "Barely any time to do some stuff like that I wanted to do like shopping and stuff. But I mean, that's just the that's what I signed up for."
After scoring 920 points in her freshman season, Watkins broke USC Trojans' program record for most three-point made in a game (9) earlier this month.
The feat comes weeks after JuJu Watkins became the second-faster player to touch the 1000-point mark.
JuJu Watkins continued to improve her basketball skillset this summer
An entertaining part for college hoops fans this summer was watching their favorite stars transition to the big league or witnessing them in sporting events across the nation. JuJu Watkins made her appearance at the Dodgers Stadium, Crypto.com arena, ESPYs and more.
However, the guard was also working on the side to become a better overall player. Last season, the guard picked on how opponents strategized to block her driving lane on the right and limit her offensive options.
To overcome the flaw, Watkins focused on enhancing her left-hand dribbles, drives and more this summer. The ability to explore open lanes both ways immediately makes her a bigger offensive threat. It also opens up chances for more balanced jump shots.
Watkins was snapped with Kyrie Irving and former Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy in August. She also worked out with former Trojan and Sacramento Kings’ DeMar DeRozan in September.