Jason Whitlock talks about Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Caitlin Clark & Angel Reese's "pattern" needed for JuJu Watkins’ success

For USC star JuJu Watkins to share similarities with Caitlin Clark, she would need to build a grassroots following that will grow because of her skills as a star player. This is an idea that sports commentator Jason Whitlock believes in.

Whitlock uploaded a video on YouTube that explores why Watkins currently lacks the appeal that Clark had throughout her collegiate career at Iowa. One of his points revolved around building strong fan support in the local community, something that Clark did while representing her home state.

Not only did Whitlock point out Clark's local connection in her state, he also listed several NBA legends who went to college in their home states.

"Where did Michael Jordan play college basketball and where did he grow up? Oh, Michael Jordan grew up in North Carolina and played for North Carolina. Interesting. Where did Magic Johnson grow up and where did he play college basketball? Oh, he grew up in Michigan and he played college basketball at Michigan State.

"Where did Larry Bird grow up? Oh, he grew up in French Lick, Indiana. Originally went to Indiana University, became a star at Indiana State University," Whitlock said.

"The pattern to basketball superstardom, it's crystal clear. It's crystal clear. JuJu Watkins, the person that everyone thinks is going to be this magnificent talent, and she's just as good as Caitlin Clark, if not better than Caitlin Clark. And people are going to start saying, 'Oh, she's not getting the attention. If she was white, she'd get the attention.'"

JuJu Watkins making history in her home state as a USC Trojan

JuJu Watkins already checked one of Whitlock's boxes in becoming a superstar by playing in her home state of California as a USC Trojan. The next step would be to keep making local connections and have her team be as dominant as possible.

She is three days removed from setting a program record in a 94-52 victory against California Baptist on Dec. 3. Watkins scored 40 points in that game, nailing nine 3-pointers, the most by any Trojan in school history.

She is currently averaging 25.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.8 steals and 2.4 blocks on 47.6% shooting from the field and 38% from beyond the arc.

Building fan support is a long but rewarding process, and Watkins can continue building on it as she helps her hometown team win games. No. 6 USC will play against the Oregon Ducks at the Matthew Knight Arena on Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. ET.