JuJu Watkins has been sensational for the USC Trojans in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, so much so that even her rivals in Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers couldn’t help but tip their hats to her.
The Trojans are now Elite Eight-bound for the first time since 1994, and Watkins is a huge reason for that.
Caitlin Clark Shows Love for USC Trojan Star JuJu Watkins
While Watkins is only a freshman, she’s definitely playing like a seasoned veteran in college hoops. In their win over the Baylor Lady Bears in the Sweet 16, Watkins took over to lead the USC to the 74-70 victory.
While it was not the most efficient night for Watkins shooting wise, she still found ways to contribute and then step up offensively when it mattered most. She finished the game with 30 points–her 14th 30-point game of the season–along with six rebounds, four assists and four blocks.
With everything that Watkins has done in the NCAA Tournament, Clark is simply impressed.
“I’ve been able to watch as much as I can… especially JuJu. What she’s been able to do for that program as a freshman, to come in and lead them to the Elite 8 with a chance to go to the Final Four is unreal, it’s unheard of. She’s so special,” the Iowa Hawkeyes superstar shared, per Mirjam Swanson of Southern California News Group.
Who can blame Clark, though? While they are rivals and have been often compared because of how talented and impactful they are to the women’s game, it’s hard not to be impressed by what Watkins is doing in her first year with the Trojans.
Paige Bueckers’ Powerful Take on JuJu Watkins
As mentioned, it’s not only Caitlin Clark who has been amazed by JuJu Watkins’ success in her freshman season. There’s a reason why prior to her arrival, the USC Trojans haven’t even made the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament in 30 years.
With Watkins, the Torjans not only earned the no. 1 seed but have also been so dominant and tough to beat. Bueckers noted that Watkins’ confidence particularly stands out for her.
“Her confidence, her fearlessness, and ability to just not care that she’s a freshman and just perform the way that she does at the level that she does, it’s pretty amazing,” Bueckers told Swanson.
Sure enough, Bueckers will be wary of Watkins when her UConn Huskies meet the Trojans in the Elite Eight on Monday. She knows very well that it will be a huge challenge. After all, even in a bad game, Watkins has shown she can produce.
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