JuJu Watkins sets record straight on playing in Unrivaled league. (Photos: @Unrivaledwbb/X and IMAGN)

JuJu Watkins sets record straight on playing in Breanna Stewart-Napheesa Collier co-founded Unrivaled league

Modified Dec 23, 2024 11:50 GMT

USC star JuJu Watkins joined Unrivaled as an investor but is expected to play once she turns pro. Watkins isn't eligible to get drafted in the WNBA until 2027, so she will have to wait three more years. Nevertheless, she's excited to play in Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier's co-founded league.

On the Good Game podcast with Sarah Spain, Watkins was asked if she will be playing in Unrivaled once she turns pro or will remain as an investor. She responded that she will suit up once eligible, but it's all about growing the women's game.

"Yes, for sure," Watkins said (34:00). "I'm just really committed to growing the game the best way I can. If I'm able to do that now, that's what I'm gonna do. I'm super excited to be a part of this new wave, hopefully, we play in the league someday."

JuJu Watkins joined fellow NCAA star Paige Bueckers as an investor although the UConn star could play next season. Bueckers is expected to get drafted next year, possibly by the Dallas Wings, who has the No. 1 pick.

Unrivaled is set to begin play on Jan. 17 in Miami, with many players preparing for it. Thirty-five of the 36 players have been revealed, while the six teams have drafted their rosters.

The league was co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. They wanted their peers to have an option to stay at home during the offseason rather than play overseas.

JuJu Watkins and USC outlast Paige Bueckers' UConn

After eight months of waiting, JuJu Watkins and the USC Trojans got their revenge on Paige Bueckers and UConn. The Huskies knocked them out for a spot in the Final Four of the 2024 NCAA tournament.

Watkins was nearly unstoppable, finishing with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and three blocks in the Trojans' 72-70 win. She went 9-for-16 from the field, making three shots from beyond the arc, while Kiki Iriafen added 16 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.

"It feels great to get the dub always," Watkins said, according to ESPN. "I think it hit a little different knowing the history of last year and how they sent us home. ... It was just great to see everybody that came out. I don't think I've ever played in front of so many people."

Meanwhile, Bueckers had 22 points, three rebounds and two assists but struggled, as she took 22 shots. Sarah Strong also had 22 points, while Ashlynn Shade added nine points and four steals.

USC improved to 11-1 for the season, which is the fourth-best record in the Big Ten. UConn, meanwhile, dropped to 10-2 but are atop the Big East. The Trojans are ranked seventh in the nation, while the Huskies are fourth.