"Barely any time to do some stuff I want to do": USC Star JuJu Watkins has a tough time keeping up with her "jam-packed" schedule

In the fourth episode of "On the Rise," JuJu Watkins opened up about her life off the court as a USC student-athlete. NBC Sports gave hoops fans a sneak peek of Watkins' life in the classroom with a behind-the-scenes look at the documentary series.

JuJu Watkins (#12) looks on during the AFLAC Oui Play game between the USC Trojans and Ole Miss Rebels at Adidas Arena on November 4, 2024 in Paris, France. Photo: Getty

The short video clip showed Watkins having a conversation with her teacher and enjoying some downtime with her fellow students inside the USC campus. The Trojans star also spoke in detail about the difficulties she encountered while balancing her studies and basketball career.

"Now, being here, truly as a student-athlete, it’s tough. I’m tired a lot. A lot of my schedule is jam-packed. I have barely any time to do some stuff I want to do, like shopping. That’s what I signed up for," Watkins said.

Watkins also shared the things she has been doing as a student, from doing basic chores to maintaining her focus inside the classroom.

"It definitely feels more like a gradual transition than a thrown-into-the-fire type of thing. I feel grown now. Just learning how to be more independent. Wash clothes. Do the dishes. I’ve learned so much on the court and now I’m getting to a point in the classroom where I’m just making sure that I’m staying on top of things and just being the best student-athlete I can be," Watkins said.

JuJu Watkins carrying USC Trojans in her sophomore year

JuJu Watkins is off to a solid start in her sophomore season with the No. 6 USC Trojans. She is second in the nation in scoring, averaging 25.5 points through eight games. She has also been a menace on the defensive end, leading the team in both steals (2.8 SPG) and blocks (2.4 BPG).

USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (#12) reacts to a call during their basketball game against the Cal Poly Mustangs on November 9, 2024 at Galen Center in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty

Watkins has picked up her offense lately, averaging 37 points in the wins over Saint Louis and California Baptist. She powered the Trojans' 104-65 victory over the Billikens, scoring a game-high 34 points on 12-of-22 shooting.

Watkins performed even better in their last game against the Lancers, amassing 40 points in USC's 94-52 win. She was red-hot from beyond the arc, knocking down 9 of her 11 attempts from the 3-point area.