“So cute”: USC’s JuJu Watkins flattered after seeing coach Lindsay Gottlieb’s son’s friends dress up as her for Halloween
USC guard JuJu Watkins became famous for her iconic top bun during her freshman season last year. Her entire fit has become a Halloween costume this year as Trojans coach Lindsay Gottlieb revealed that her son, Jordan's friends dressed up as Watkins.
"I thought Jordan as Steph was fun, but his friends as (JuJu Watkins) is next level," the coach wrote on her Instagram story.
Watkins reacted to the photo in her story as she re-shared it and wrote:
"sooo cute 🥰"
JuJu Watkins led the USC Trojans on a historic run last season, taking them to the Elite Eight for the first time in 30 years. In the process, Watkins revived the program, bringing more fans to the Galen Center. She became synonymous with the top bun hairstyle, with many fans replicating the look during games.
Watkins explained the reason behind her trademark hairdo during her high school senior year at Sierra Canyon.
"Look[s] cute, while your hair's not in your face," she said (The Mirror). "My bun, I don't think anybody can really replicate that exactly."
JuJu Watkins names Lindsay Gottlieb as her reason for choosing USC
JuJu Watkins was one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2023 class, and the guard surprised many when she chose to stay close to her home in Los Angeles. During an interview with Boardroom on Tuesday, the sophomore guard revealed that Lindsay Gottlieb was one of her reasons for choosing USC.
"I would say pretty much my friend group is my team," Watkins said (01:54). "It feels, you know, like family and the relationship between me and my coaches is just so important, especially (head coach) Lindsay (Gottlieb).
"She's one of the main reasons that I even went to USC just because she's just such a great coach and person. Having that feeling that I can go to her about anything and just trusting her. That's really everything I was looking for in a coach; that trust, that bond, just grateful for her."
Watkins and Lindsay's trust in each other helped USC in its victorious run last season. With JuJu Watkins' exploits last season, the Trojans brought in two experienced transfers: KiKi Iriafen from Stanford and Talia von Oelhoffen from Oregon State. This new trio is expected to help USC on another great run this season.
The Trojans will begin their new season in a new conference on Nov. 4 against Ole Miss.
Also read: "We're kinda hot right now": JuJu Watkins builds "a new era" of women's basketball with USC Trojans