USC’s JuJu Watkins brings her own ‘Mamba mentality’ after 51-point game
10 months, 2 weeks ago

USC’s JuJu Watkins brings her own ‘Mamba mentality’ after 51-point game

LA Times  

It’s gotta be the shoes. JuJu Watkins poured in a USC record 51 points against Stanford, torching the Pac-12 leaders with a dizzying array of stepbacks, crossovers and silky jumpers and dancing with defenders in her Kobe “Mambacita” sneakers. Cleveland Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff texted Gottlieb, a former Cavaliers assistant, in disbelief: “50-ball?” Watkins won social media over the weekend, getting mentions from Kevin Durant, LeBron James and A’ja Wilson. “Learning that you’re not going to be on every day,” Watkins said of her biggest lesson 19 games into her college career. Watkins’ star power is unprecedented for the program in this social media era, so before the season, Gottlieb said she wanted to ensure Watkins could feel comfortable being a typical college freshman.

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History of this topic

USC's Juju Watkins Ready to Take College Torch with Caitlin Clark in WNBA
2 months, 3 weeks ago

USC's Juju Watkins Ready to Take College Torch with Caitlin Clark in WNBA

Associated Press  

USC's Juju Watkins is poised to take the college basketball torch from Caitlin Clark, who has carried the position for the past few years. Watkins, a sophomore, has shown immense potential, leading USC to the Elite Eight last year and being named Preseason Player of the Year. She is also a first-team, All-American selection, setting a national record for a …

USC’s JuJu Watkins is in the March Madness spotlight ahead of Sweet 16 against Baylor
8 months, 3 weeks ago

USC’s JuJu Watkins is in the March Madness spotlight ahead of Sweet 16 against Baylor

Associated Press  

PORTLAND, Ore. — For USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb, the JuJu Watkins phenomenon became plainly evident on a road trip this season when a quick autograph session snowballed. “Just me making the decision to stay home, the great environment that I’m in, my teammates always pushing me to be better, everybody just wants the best for me,” Watkins said. “I think …

USC’s JuJu Watkins taking phenomenal freshman season, newfound fame in stride
9 months ago

USC’s JuJu Watkins taking phenomenal freshman season, newfound fame in stride

Associated Press  

LAS VEGAS — JuJu Watkins is heading into her first NCAA Tournament with an appreciation for what brought her to this point. “It’s been amazing,” Watkins said during the recent Pac-12 women’s tournament, where USC claimed the title with a 74-61 victory over Stanford. Watkins’ 27 points per game were second only to Clark, who became the all-time scoring leader …

USC women prove they’re more than JuJu Watkins: ‘We’re an entire team’
9 months, 2 weeks ago

USC women prove they’re more than JuJu Watkins: ‘We’re an entire team’

LA Times  

USC guard McKenzie Forbes celebrates with teammates after an overtime win against UCLA in the semifinals of the Pac-12 tournament on Friday in Las Vegas. “We’re an entire team,” USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said before the tournament. “She is phenomenal, people have game-planned against, but finishing second in this tough league and going through the gauntlet that we have takes …

‘Don’t move … improve’: Can L.A.’s newest star revive a storied women’s basketball program?
11 months ago

‘Don’t move … improve’: Can L.A.’s newest star revive a storied women’s basketball program?

New York Times  

LOS ANGELES — JuJu Watkins’ hands didn’t feel quite right. WNBA legend Candace Parker, who provided commentary for TruTV, said: “USC is in for a treat with JuJu Watkins’ career.” But the moment that stuck out to McGuff wasn’t Watkins’ scoring. “It’s not subtle how good JuJu is.” Gottlieb sat on one of the couches in her office across from …

Why USC’s JuJu Watkins is ‘your favorite basketball player’s favorite basketball player’
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Why USC’s JuJu Watkins is ‘your favorite basketball player’s favorite basketball player’

LA Times  

He’s her favorite player. “She’s the next greatest thing in women’s basketball,” James said two days after he watched USC dismantle UC Riverside with Watkins scoring 27 points in 29 minutes. She has pro stars checking on her progress with USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb, who points out the prodigious 18-year-old is “like your favorite basketball player’s favorite basketball player.” “She …

USC’s JuJu Watkins is poised to step in as the next big star of women’s college basketball
11 months, 4 weeks ago

USC’s JuJu Watkins is poised to step in as the next big star of women’s college basketball

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Caitlin Clark — the current Associated Press national player of the year — is in what may be her final season at Iowa. “Just to feel this energy in LA.” As the Watkins phenomenon grows, USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb has considered reaching out to Iowa coach Lisa Bluder to see how they manage Clark’s stardom. The resident …

A new era for USC women’s basketball: All eyes on JuJu Watkins
1 year, 1 month ago

A new era for USC women’s basketball: All eyes on JuJu Watkins

LA Times  

USC freshman JuJu Watkins waves to the crowd during the Trojan HoopLA event at Galen Center on Oct. 19. “I really do believe this is the start of a different era and perception of USC women’s basketball,” she said. Watkins, who led Sierra Canyon to a Southern Section Open Division title and state title, is just the second Gatorade national …

Juju Watkins says she’s excited as she prepares for her freshman season at USC
1 year, 5 months ago

Juju Watkins says she’s excited as she prepares for her freshman season at USC

LA Times  

Former Sierra Canyon girls’ basketball standout Juju Watkins, a McDonald’s All-American who won the Gatorade national player of the year award last season after averaging 27.3 points, 13.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists, has been busy this summer preparing for her freshman season at USC. She’s one of the most celebrated female basketball players to enter the college game in years …

Girls’ basketball player of the year: Sierra Canyon’s Juju Watkins, again
1 year, 9 months ago

Girls’ basketball player of the year: Sierra Canyon’s Juju Watkins, again

LA Times  

Perhaps the bun possesses magical powers, sitting calmly atop Juju Watkins’ head like a divine beacon as she steps back for another jumper. It seemed unlikely that the USC commit could take her game to a higher level after a state-championship run last year, and yet she became a more efficient scorer and improved ballhandler as a senior, averaging 27.3 …

Juju Watkins, not Bronny James, is the star at Sierra Canyon High media day
2 years, 2 months ago

Juju Watkins, not Bronny James, is the star at Sierra Canyon High media day

LA Times  

In her lowest point last season, tears welling in her eyes while in a handshake line after a Southern Section Open Division championship loss, Sierra Canyon High’s Juju Watkins turned to her roots. In her opening statement, girls’ basketball coach Alicia Komaki announced the team would open with games Nov. 18 and 19 televised by ESPN before heading out-of-state to …

Vanessa Bryant shares photo of Kobe Bryant jerseys as Lakers plan to wear his Black Mamba design
4 years, 4 months ago

Vanessa Bryant shares photo of Kobe Bryant jerseys as Lakers plan to wear his Black Mamba design

Daily Mail  

Vanessa Bryant shared a snap of Kobe Bryant tribute jerseys Monday on social media as the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly plan to wear his Black Mamba jersey if they advance past the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Lakers if they beat the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round plan to wear the Black Mamba jersey that Kobe …

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