"Making sure I'm giving my energy to other things": USC's JuJu Watkins opens up on balancing hooping and school 

JuJu Watkins enjoyed a historic freshman season with the USC Trojans, as she led them to their first Elite Eight in 30 years. Apart from her leading role on the court, Watkins also played a crucial role in the revival of the USC programs, as she brought fans back to the Galen Center.

On Thursday, JuJu Watkins, on Flau'jae Johnson's "Best of Both Worlds" podcast, talked about their on-court and off-court lives and how she balances her time. She said (07:07)

"I just try to prioritize things," the Trojans guard said. "I think for me basketball is top. As much as it can be, I try to balance school and everything else as well.

"But, you know, just working my schedule around basketball really and just making sure that I'm giving my energy to other things as well."

JuJu Watkins' NIL valuation is $417,000 (as per On3), and she has signed deals with Estee Lauder, NerdWallet, Cactus Jack, AT&T, Morgan & Morgan and more.

With her rising popularity and position as the face of college basketball in the upcoming season, the guard's NIL profile is expected to get bigger.

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JuJu Watkins reacts to beating Victor Wembanyama at the ESPYs

JuJu Watkins was named the Best Breakthrough Athlete at The ESPYS in July. She beat Victor Wembanyama, CJ Stroud and Haleigh Bryant to take home the award.

During her interview with Flau'jae Johnson, Watkins shared her thoughts about winning the award over the NBA Rookie of the Year.

“It was just really cool. I didn’t know I was going to win it until they said you need to sit here,” she said. “I was like oh s—t I’m going to actually win it. I don’t know just seeing the company too, like Livy, Wemby, and some other people.

"I was just like woah, I didn’t expect to win. It’s just a testament to my team, to the work I put in, my coaches, family. I just really owe it all to them.”

In her freshman season with the Trojans, Watkins averwged 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.6 blocks. She was also named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and set the freshman scoring record set 40 years ago by Tina Hutchinson.

In the upcoming season, Watkins is expected to lead the Trojans to a championship following the strengthening of USC's roster with major transfer portal and 2024 recruiting class additions.

What are your predictions for Watkins in the upcoming season? Let's know in the comments section below:

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