JuJu Watkins is undoubtedly one of the best female players in college hoops today, and there’s no denying she’s the best freshman of the season. However, her USC Trojans head coach Lindsay Gottlieb views the youngster more than that.
After leading the Trojans to their first Sweet 16 berth in 30 years, Gottlieb dropped the ultimate compliment for the superstar.
USC Trojans Coach Has Massive Praise for JuJu Watkins
Watkins was sensational once again, as she powered the Trojans to the 73-55 win over the Kansas Jayhawks in the Round of 32 on Monday. The 18-year-old led USC in all three major statistical categories, finishing with 28 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in 37 minutes of action.
Although Watkins had six turnovers, she did tally two steals as well and hit big-time shot after big-time shot as the Trojans never feared for their lead to disappear. Watkins was 9-of-21 from the field including 4-of-8 from deep, with the Jayhawks unable to figure out a way to stop her.
Following the massive victory, Coach Gottlieb made sure to give a well-deserved recognition to Watkins, going as far as to sharing her belief that no one in the history of women’s college basketball where there has been a better freshman season than what Watkins is having.
“If there’s a better freshman season in the history of college basketball, I’d like to hear about it,” Gottlieb declared, via Luca Evans of OC Register.
It’s hard to argue with Gottlieb’s statement, though. After all, Watkins’ impact on USC in just her first year has already been massive. Not to mention all the records she has broken, including the Trojans’ freshman scoring record in a single season (751) as well as the most points scored in a game (51) and most 30-point games (11), via LA Times.
Sure enough, Watkins has a case for the best freshman season in the history of college hoops.
JuJu Watkins Leads USC Trojans to History
Perhaps making Lindsay Gottlieb’s claim about JuJu Watkins more valid is the history they just achieved with the teenage star leading the way.
As mentioned, the last time the USC Trojans made the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournamen was way back in 1994. To put into perspective how long that has been, it’s worth mentioning that Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie was still a senior with the team at the time and Cheryl Miller was their head coach.
There’s no denying how Watkins’ arrival has changed the trajectory of the Trojans. From a team struggling to go deep in March Madness, they are now poised to become contenders for the years to come as long as they have Watkins in the fold.
Of course there’s a lot more history to be made for the Trojans as they now head to the Sweet 16. They will face the Baylor Lady Bears next in the Sweet 16, and all eyes will be on Watkins as she looks to power the team to the Elite 8.
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