“My parents actually didn’t want me to play basketball”: JuJu Watkins shares how her vision 'surprised' her family

JuJu Watkins is one of four children of former college athletes Robert Neal-Watkins and Sari Watkins. The guard enjoyed one of the best freshman seasons as she led the USC Trojans on the historic Elite Eight run. With her achievements, Watkins is now set to become the face of college basketball.

Despite her astounding success as a basketball player, JuJu Watkins revealed that this career path was not on the cards always. During Tuesday's episode of Boardroom, the USC guard said:

"Early on, yeah, I don't think any of us expected like the trajectory of my journey. We've all adjusted together. They keep me saying in crazy moments, they just give me confidence, really help me stay grounded.

"My parents actually didn't want me to play basketball. They wanted me to do something else. It was a surprise when I decided to pick up a basketball for them, so you saw the vision and I started it. They kind of came on the train a little later but it's okay. I'm feeling good, feeling great, yeah."

(From 02:58)

Robert Neal-Watkins played football in college, while Sari Watkins was a track and field athlete. In previous interviews, JuJu Watkins had revealed that her father played an important role in nurturing her dream to be a basketball player as he was her first trainer and coach.

JuJu Watkins talks about her parents' influence on her life

Despite being the face of her program and the league, JuJu Watkins has shown her humility at multiple points. She has refused to take credit for herself and oftentimes, focuses on team goals and efforts. This, she says, is because of her parents.

"My parents always instilled being humble in my character," she said. "That comes easy for me. They have never been regular parents, if I can be honest.

"They have always been super serious about sports and always pushed me to be a better version of myself. I'm always thankful for them. They have stayed the same throughout my whole childhood, I would say."

At the same time, Watkins revealed that that she goes to her father for specific advice about her financial choices. The guard is ranked third in NIL valuation and recently signed massive deals with Nike, Gatorade and Nyx Cosmetics.

"(My parents) have given me a lot of advice," Watkins said. "I would say my dad specifically has helped me navigate my financial journey. Financial tips, saving, investing, all that and whatnot. That's something that I'm starting to become more curious about and learn more about, so thanks to him for that."

JuJu Watkins will begin her 2024-25 season on Nov. 4 against Ole Miss.