JuJu Watkins makes her feelings clear on her star leap from Year 1 to Year 2 at USC

Although the sophomore slump is a common phenomenon among athletes, USC star JuJu Watkins has defied expectations, making an even bigger leap this season.

During a postgame interview following her team's dominant victory over Rutgers on Sunday, Watkins, accompanied by USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb and teammate Kennedy Smith, addressed the media.

When asked about the biggest improvement she is most proud of in her second year, Watkins talked about gaining more experience and leading the Trojans.

"I just think having experience," Watkins said (01:45). "Freshman year just kind of coming into it blindly, and then now, having that perspective and being able to enhance my IQ is just the biggest part of that. It comes with just learning the game and growing in all areas."

Watkins had an outstanding freshman season as she averaged 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.6 blocks in 34 games. She helped USC reach the Elite Eight before falling to UConn.

Watkins has won numerous awards, including the Gatorade National Player of the Year, Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, All-Pac-12 Team honors, ESPN National Freshman of the Year, ESPN All-America Team recognition and a runner-up finish for ESPN's National Player of the Year. Additionally, she earned a gold medal and MVP honors at the 2022 FIBA Under-17 Women’s Basketball World Cup.

This season, Watkins has shown remarkable improvement, particularly in protecting the ball as she has reduced her turnovers from 4.1 to 2.9 through 15 games.

She is maintaining stellar numbers with averages of 25.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 4.1 apg, 2.5 spg and 1.9 bpg. Her leadership has propelled the No. 4-ranked USC Trojans to a 14-1 record.

USC dominates Rutgers with a 50-point victory

JuJu Watkins notched her 11th career double-double as USC won 92-42 over Rutgers, extending its winning streak to 10 games.

The Trojans remain undefeated in Big Ten play at 4-0, with 10 different players contributing on Sunday.

Watkins led the charge with a game-high 23 points and a career-best 14 rebounds, recording her second double-double of the season. She has scored 20 or more points in 41 of her 49 games at USC.

Additionally, Watkins continued her hot shooting from beyond the arc, making three 3-pointers and extending her streak of having at least one made 3-pointer to 10 games.

USC will next face No. 8-ranked Maryland on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET in College Park, Maryland.