"It’s a cop for me" "As she should": Fans react as USC star JuJu Watkins reportedly set to receive new signature Nike Cut G.T. 3 Turbo kicks

NCAA Womens Basketball: NCAA Tournament Second Round USC-Mississippi State - Source: Imagn

College basketball fans are thrilled that USC star JuJu Watkins will reportedly receive her own signature sneakers from Nike.

According to a post on X by sneaker-focused account Kicks Finder on Tuesday, the 19-year-old will have a special edition of the Nike G.T. Cut 3 Turbo LE, set to release on Aug. 1 for a projected retail price of $200. It was also reported that the colorway will feature coconut milk and black-amarillo.

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Following the announcement, fans expressed their excitement on social media, with many eager to purchase a pair.

“It’s a cop for me!!!! Eye love JuJu,” one fan commented.

“AS SHE SHOULD,” another user wrote.

“I’m paying WHATEVER!!” someone else said.

“LET’S GO! SO DESERVED,” a fan added.

“HUGE FOR THE PROGRAM,” a USC supporter noted.

The move continues Nike’s growing involvement with college basketball athletes.

Paige Bueckers made history as the first NIL athlete to collaborate with Nike on a Player Edition basketball sneaker when the Nike G.T. Hustle 3 was announced in December.

Now, Watkins joins the ranks as one of the latest college athletes to leverage NIL opportunities with major brands like Nike.

JuJu Watkins to undergo surgery for ACL injury

NCAA Tournament second round: USC vs. Mississippi State - Source: Imagn

The Los Angeles native suffered a season-ending knee injury during USC’s 96-59 victory over Mississippi State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Monday night.

The injury occurred in the first quarter as she attempted a fast break while being chased by defenders. She landed awkwardly on her knee, leading to immediate concern from players, fans and team officials.

Medical reports suggest that Watkins has likely suffered an ACL injury, which typically requires surgery and a recovery period of nine months. However, in some cases, recovery can be quicker depending on rehabilitation progress.

The guard suffered an injury scare in a first-round win over UNC Greensboro but managed to stay in the game.

About the author

Babatunde Kolawole is a college sports journalist at Sportskeeda with over eight years of experience in the field with Canoncrested.com, Garbersports.com, LiveScore Bet Nigeria and Pulse Sports Nigeria.

Kolawole studied Agricultural Economics on the tertiary level but delved into sports writing after school. Over half a decade later, the experience garnered helped him land this role.

Historically, the Alabama Crimson Tide stands out as Kolawole's favorite team as he was drawn to their rich history.

As for basketball, JuJu Watkins is Kolawole's favorite current player due to how much diversity she has in her game, while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar gets the nod for past players because of how he dominated with UCLA.

Kolawole has appeared on several TV and Radio shows as a guest analyst, and in his spare time, likes to watch movies (a sucker for the Marvel Cinematic Universe) and listen to a lot of music. He also loves to travel.

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Edited by Joseph Schiefelbein