“Happy birthday to my dawg”: USC’s JuJu Watkins shares a heartwarming snap to celebrate Talia von Oelhoffen’s birthday

USC Trojans' Talia von Oelhoffen turned 22 on Monday, and JuJu Watkins took to her Instagram to share her greetings. After four years with the Oregon State Beavers, von Oelhoffen moved to USC and is predicted to create a superteam with Watkins and Kiki Irifen.

Sharing a picture from their media day of herself, von Oelhoffen and Iriafen, to her Instagram story, Watkins wrote:

"Happy birthday to my dawg (Talia von Oelhoffen)!! ❤️.”

The sophomore guard also posted another image of the three and added a red heart.

JuJu Watkins Instagram story (Credit: Instagram/@jujuballin)

During her senior season with the Beavers, Talia von Oelhoffen averaged 10.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.0 assists. She is considered to be an important piece in the Trojans' dream run to a potential NCAA championship next season.

USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb spoke on the importance of von Oelhoffen's presence on the roster in a statement from the school at the time of her joining.

“Talia is an all-conference player who led her team to an Elite Eight. Her basketball IQ is off the charts, and she’s incredibly versatile," she said. "I think we’ll see her thrive in an up-tempo system, and she’s gifted at making those around her better.

"She’s coming to USC to help us win at the highest levels and will provide leadership that’s so important to any team with championship aspirations. I cannot wait to have her in a Trojan uniform.”

JuJu Watkins comments on USC's move to a new conference

The USC Trojans, along with UCLA, Oregon and Washington, left the Pac-12 and joined the Big Ten in the offseason. With this move, JuJu Watkins and the Trojans are expected to raise the existing competitiveness in the conference.

During the Big Ten media day last week, Watkins spoke of the expectations for her heading into the new season.

“I wouldn’t really say pressure,” she said. “So many great teams in this league, and I think my main focus is just winning with my team. And wherever that takes us, we’re grateful. I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

JuJu Watkins was the focal point of attention last season, and it is expected to continue in the following years as well. Gottlieb revealed that she plans on tapping into the Big Ten's experience in handling Caitlin Clark and her immense following to help Watkins navigate all the fame.

What are your predictions for Watkins and the Trojans in the new season? Let us know in the comments section below.