JuJu Watkins deserves credit for dealing with "the circus that goes on around her", says Trojans HC
JuJu Watkins and the USC Trojans have started the season 8-1, losing only to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb believes that her roster needs to fine-tune some imperfections, citing the team's excessive turnover rate against Oregon and loss to Notre Dame.
Nevertheless, as Gottlieb commended her team's ability to come together and stick to a game plan, she ensured that her star guard got all the credit she deserved. The coach praised Watkins' focus, citing that she has to get past a lot of distractions every day to put her best foot on the court.
"I think, to her credit, people ask me all the time 'What surprises you or what are her greatest characteristics or what it's like coaching her,'" Lindsay Gottlieb said on Trojans Live. (2:30)
"I think one of her greatest aspects is her ability with the circus that goes on around her and everything she carries on her shoulders. She has this really incredible ability for a young person to continue to really look inward and say 'Okay, what can I control? What can I do better,' and to self-reflect."
Gottlieb highlighted JuJu Watkins' maturity towards the game and ability to compose herself during hardships despite being just 19. She also revealed that Watkins doesn't stress out whenever she's having a rough night. Instead, the youngster allows the game to come to her.
Lindsay Gottlieb shares insight on JuJu Watkins' NIL deal with Chipotle
JuJu Watkins’ unique deal with Chipotle allows the entire USC Trojans roster to avail the benefits. Chipotle has partnered with the basketball team for an NIL deal. All the student-athletes, be it scholarship or walk-ons, receive VIP cards that grant them free food regularly with the fast-food chain.
While Gottlieb denied her participation in the agreement, she summarized the turn of events based on her understanding of Watkins and her roster.
"JuJu and her team are really good about spreading the love," Gottlieb said. (7:40)
"My understanding is that maybe she had a deal with Chipotle and suggested to them 'Hey why not look into how great the team is, we do spend time eating together, hanging out,' and Chipotle jumped on that and it's the first team-wide deal that Chipotle has done. It's really neat."
Watkins believes the deal with Chipotle will give the roster a protein-packed meal option after workouts and provide a spot for the team to gel.