JuJu Watkins unveils her new Mercedes, leaving fans elated: “That NIL money be hitting”
Fans are reacting to the glistening Mercedes the USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins received for an NIL deal she signed last season. Watkins was treated with a 2023 Mercedes EQ last season and this year she received a Mercedes GLE, which has a starting price of $61,850 (per the Mercedes Benz USA website).
Fans were wonderstruck at the glimpse of the sleek car. Some praised the hard work of Watkins while others referred to her NIL deals.
"That NIL money be hittin," one fan said.
"Spaceships don't come equipped with rearview mirrors," another fan said.
"Imagine a college athlete posted this 8 years ago," one fan said.
"The car should be thanking you for being in it," a fan said.
Here are some more reactions:
"That's a good look lilcuzzin hard work paying off you got this", a fan commented," a fan said.
"Cant wait to be a passenger. love u juju," one fan said.
JuJu Watkins was the first athlete to benefit from the partnership between NIL collective House of Victory and Fletcher Jones Mercedes. In a video recorded last year, she stood in front of Fletcher Jones Motorcars, introduced herself, and said:
“To be the first athlete to get a car with House of Victory is amazing. I’m super honored to have this blessing and I definitely hope more women get this, too, in the future.”
Watkins was the first High school star to sign a deal with Klutch Sports. She has signed deals with many other top brands including Nike, Lids, Celsius Morgan & Morgan and Cash App.
Lindsay Gottlieb on the magic wand of JuJu Watkins
JuJu Watkins scored 110 points in the four games of 2024 March Madness before the USC Trojans lost to UConn Huskies and Paige Bueckers. The stellar performance of JuJu Watkins helped USC win its first Pac-12 tournament since 2014. Also, the team made the first Elite Eight appearances since 1994.
After the loss in the Elite Eight, USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb commented upon the ability of Watkins to produce positive influence.
I've only ever seen her respond to anything adverse in incredibly positive ways," Gottlieb said (per ESPN). "She works harder than anyone I know. Her mind is always in the right place. She's going to have to take on some different things, right?
Now it's team, leadership, and things that aren't basketball-related. I'm excited for her to really walk into everything that's coming for her. There's no question in my mind, you give her something adverse, she's going to use that just to get better.
Watkins (27.1 ppg) was the second-top scorer in the NCAA tournament last season after Caitlin Clark (31.6 ppg).