Juju Watkins, the rising star of USC and one of the most anticipated players in women’s college basketball, is gearing up for an extraordinary season. Already being dubbed the face of women’s college hoops, Watkins is expected to share the spotlight with other major talents like Cooper Flagg and possibly some top recruits from around the country. What makes Watkins’ journey particularly special is the guidance she’s receiving from a basketball icon: Caitlin Clark.
According to Watkins’ coach, USC has taken extra steps to help the young phenom manage the immense pressure of being in the national spotlight. They’ve reached out to Iowa, where Clark has been the centerpiece of women’s basketball for the past few years, to gather advice on how to handle the sudden influx of attention and stardom. Remarkably, Clark didn’t just offer support from afar—she personally gave Watkins her phone number and encouraged her to reach out if she ever needs help navigating the challenges ahead.
In a recent interview, Watkins’ coach shared insights from Clark, who acknowledged that while she’s been in the spotlight for 18 months, Watkins will be dealing with the pressure for the next three years. Clark’s experience with the intense media attention and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals is something she’s passing down to the next generation of stars, offering invaluable mentorship.
This exchange between Watkins and Clark speaks volumes about the changing landscape of women’s basketball, where young players like Watkins, Flagg, and Paige Bueckers are entering college as millionaires thanks to NIL deals, an opportunity that didn’t exist for previous generations of WNBA stars.
Despite this newfound fame, Watkins and her coach are determined to keep her grounded. USC is working closely with Iowa and the basketball community to ensure that she is prepared for the pressures on and off the court. The support network being built around Watkins is designed to not only capitalize on her talent but also protect her as she navigates an unprecedented level of attention for a young athlete.
With Clark leading the way in embracing her role as a mentor, Watkins is positioned to not only shine in women’s basketball but to lead the next wave of superstars set to elevate the sport to new heights.
As the season approaches, all eyes are on Watkins, and while the expectations are sky-high, her talent, paired
with the mentorship from established figures like Clark, makes her one of the most exciting players to watch in college basketball this year.
