"One of my lowest points": JuJu Watkins opens up on how her family helped her rise from devastating defeat

JuJu Watkins has enjoyed a mercurial rise in women's college basketball. The sophomore is one of the top players at USC following a freshman season in which she shattered several records and won several individual awards, including an ESPY for the Best Breakthrough Athlete.

During her journey, Watkins has endured some trying times. Towards the end of her high school basketball career, Watkins was devastated following Sierra Canyon's narrow 54-55 defeat to Etiwanda in the CIF regional championship game.

In a clip from episode three of NBC's new docuseries on Peacock, On the Rise: JuJu Watkins, the talented guard reveals how her family's immense support helped her bounce back after her heartbreaking loss to Etiwanda.

"I didn't come out of my room for like three days," Watkins said. "Didn't go to school. It was bad. Definitely one of my lowest points so far. But, I mean like, family was there. Mariah, my Mom, Kelli, just all sat on my bed with me, just gave me hugs.

"They just keep me grounded and make me realize that there is way more to life than just one game. I was good after a couple days," she added.

Watkins' aunt, Kelli, believed Sierra Canyon's loss to Etiwanda was the defeat that would motivate her to bounce back. She mentioned how game legends like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant also went through trying times before achieving greatness.

"I don't know if I should be telling y'all this because I don't want her to be embarrassed. But, we just all cried together," Kelli said. "I just had to tell her, like hey. It's happened to LeBron, it's happened to Michael, it's happened to Kobe. A great loss only makes you greater, and I believe that was her great loss."

JuJu Watkins makes a stellar start to her sophomore season

USC Trojans star JuJu Watkins (Credits: IMAGN)

JuJu Watkins has picked up where she left off last season, leading the Trojans to six wins in the opening seven games of the 2024-25 season.

Across those games, she has averaged an astonishing 23.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 3.0 steals, and 2.3 blocks. Her talent made her the only player besides UConn star Paige Bueckers to earn a unanimous selection on the AP's Preseason All-American Team.

After enjoying success at the recently concluded Women's Acrisure Holiday Invitational, Watkins and the Trojans will return to the Galen Center in Los Angeles to face the California Baptist Lancers on Tuesday at 9:30 PM ET.