“Her entire face is an emoji”: College hoops fans in splits as JuJu Watkins’ viral Adele-like moment gets resurfaced

JuJu Watkins, the USC Trojans’ star, continues to capture the internet's attention not just for her skills on the court but for her expressive personality off it. A viral clip on Instagram resurfaced on Tuesday, showing Watkins reacting in a moment so dramatic that fans compared her reaction to popular singer Adele’s similar expression.

The clip from July showed Watkins at a Los Angeles Sparks matchup against the Minnesota Lynx. The sophomore sat courtside, scanning the arena like she was unbothered as the cameras filmed her in the third quarter.

With her unassuming expression, the college hoops sensation had fans in splits, sparking comments.

“Her entire face is an emoji!” a fan commented.

A fan commented on JuJu Watkins' video.

In other comments, fans were amused by the video.

Other fans comment on JuJu Watkins' video

JuJu Watkins has been impressive for seventh-ranked USC this season, contributing to the Trojans' 10-1 record.

Watkins has averaged 24.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 45.4%, leading the Trojans in points, assists and steals (2.5) per game.

JuJu Watkins joins Unrivaled League's Series A funding

The new 3x3 professional basketball league, Unrivaled, successfully closed its Series A funding round, raising $28 million.

USC basketball sensation JuJu Watkins joined three-time NCAA championship-winning coach Dawn Staley as part of the investors of the league.

Other notable investors included swimming legend Michael Phelps and NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in the league’s earlier $7 million seed round.

Among the returning supporters are USWNT soccer star Alex Morgan and renowned UConn coach Geno Auriemma.

Unrivaled’s innovative approach sets it apart, particularly its focus on building connections with college basketball standouts. JuJu Watkins is not only an investor but also one of the league’s youngest backers.

Additionally, Unrivaled has secured NIL partnerships with UConn’s Paige Bueckers, a projected top pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, and LSU’s rising star Flau’jae Johnson. Both players hold equity stakes in the league, ensuring long-term alignment and investment.

With its total funding at $35 million, Unrivaled is said to be on solid financial footing ahead of its debut season, set to begin on Jan. 17 in Miami.

The strong mix of athlete backing, college connections and financial investment positions Unrivaled as a trailblazer in professional women’s basketball. With key names onboard and groundbreaking partnerships, the league is poised to redefine the landscape and elevate the women’s game to new heights.