"The priority is just winning": USC's JuJu Watkins talks about her mindset as a college basketball star
As a teenage basketball phenom, USC's JuJu Watkins is no stranger to the demands and pressures that come with being a top player. In her freshman season, Watkins took college basketball by storm — scoring 920 points, the highest total by a freshman.
Speaking with Stella Lockhart, a St. John Vianney high school forward, on Overtime Select this week, Watkins discussed how her mentality remains tough despite the fame and attention.
"I think for me, the priority is just winning and I'm just trying to be a better player, I guess," she said. "So that's my priority, but other things come with it and that's cool."
As a freshman, JuJu Watkins averaged 27.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game for the Trojans guiding them to the Pac-12 tournament glory and an Elite Eight run in the NCAA Tournament.
Additionally, she won several accolades this year including the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, ESPY's Best Breakthrough Athlete Award and AP First-team All-American, among others.
In the podcast, Watkins also talked about the challenges of navigating her newfound fame.
"It wasn't really overnight for me. I think I expected a lot out of myself. I saw the success from working and started to see my hard work pay off," JuJu said. "So I was kinda prepared for it in a way ... it's not that crazy, but sometimes I have moments where it's like, 'Oh wow.'"
JuJu Watkins presents the idea of creating her own basketball team
USC sophomore JuJu Watkins has surpassed several expectations in her college career. The Los Angeles native inked a long-term deal with Nike on Tuesday, which, according to ESPN, will be among the richest shoe endorsement contracts in women's basketball.
Watkins is not only changing the landscape of the sport. She has also become an inspiration to many young female hoopers. Fueled with passion, she dreams of building her very own little league team to teach and facilitate the next generation of players.
"I want to have a camp. And eventually, have my own like little team (AAU team), that would be fire," JuJu said on Flau'jae's podcast. "I definitely want to do that ... the team is going to practice in my hometown Watts ... I really want to be there for my city and the young girls coming up. [20:38]
Following an exceptional debut year at USC, JuJu Watkins aims to have an even bigger mark on the game this new season. The Trojans will kick off the season against Ole Miss on Nov. 4.