“Starstruck” JuJu Watkins reveals 1 connection with Kevin Hart, working on her IQ, and how she stays calm on court
JuJu Watkins was one of the most highly anticipated athletes to take part in the Big Ten women's basketball media day ahead of the new season. The USC Trojans star took time out of a hectic media day to join CBS Sports HQ Live, during which she revealed some of her secrets.
The first of them involved stand-up comedian and Hollywood star Kevin Hart. Of all the celebrities who came to Trojans games to watch Watkins play, she admitted Hart was one who left her starstruck when they met. She also revealed that his daughter, Heaven, and her went to the same high school, Sierra Canyon.
"I have those experiences a lot, actually. Probably Kevin Hart, that was really cool. He's great. I went to school with his daughter, so, for him to come back, it was dope," Watkins said.
JuJu Watkins also provided insights into her game
In her appearance on CBS Sports Live HQ, JuJu Watkins also revealed how she has worked hard in the gym to improve her IQ ahead of her sophomore season with the Trojans. She admitted it was a combination of various factors, which included her pace and watching herself play.
"I've really been working on my pace a lot just to slow the game down, so I can make better decisions. So, I would just say that, just slowing the game down.
"I mean, it's a combination of things. Talking to people who have experienced all levels and also watching a lot of film on myself, and then just train it hard, really. That helps a lot when you know you're putting situational stuff."
Watkins also revealed how she maintains a calm composure on the court, which can be a challenge given the amount of people who come to watch her play regularly.
"The main thing for me is just to play my game. I feel like that's always my priority regardless of what other people have to say and other things put on me. So, my biggest thing is just playing the game and winning with my team."
Watkins produced one of the strongest freshman seasons in women's basketball history last year. She was the second-highest scorer in the country, with her 27.1 points average lesser than only Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark (31.6).
She also averaged 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.3 steals in 34 starts, winning an ESPY for the Best Breakthrough Athlete and the ESPN Freshman of the Year Award.
JuJu Watkins is touted to emerge even stronger in her sophomore year, and will be keen to end the Trojans' 40-year national championship drought in the 2024-25 season.