"The cutest": USC's JuJu Watkins reacts to KiKi Iriafen recapping fun time spent at the Big Ten Media Day

USC Trojans basketball star JuJu Watkins shared her thoughts after her teammate KiKi Iriafen posted a fun recap of their time at the Big Ten Media Day on Wednesday, Oct. 2, in Rosemont, Illinois. Watkins was with Iriafen to do the media spots.

Iriafen’s post featured highlights from the event, and she added the caption:

“Almost that time…”

Watkins, who earned first-team All-American honors last season, responded to Iriafen’s Instagram post with the simple comment:

"The cutest🥰🥰"

Screenshot, via KiKi Iriafen Instagram

At the Big Ten Media Day, a funny moment unfolded between the two USC stars, as they had a handshake mix-up. Iriafen initially went for a fist bump as Watkins was prepping for a high five. The two then swapped while trying to adjust to the other.

Outside the event, a casual social media post captured the relaxed vibes of the two athletes.

Iriafen showed up in a chic vest and miniskirt, while Watkins kept it laid-back with her signature bun, glasses, a white T-shirt, and baggy pants.

Both Watkins and Iriafen were named to the preseason All-Big Ten team, adding to the buzz.

JuJu Watkins downplays pressure ahead of sophomore season

With USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington joining the Big Ten, the landscape of college basketball is shifting, and JuJu Watkins is poised to make her mark. Speaking at the Big Ten Media Day, Watkins downplayed feeling pressure ahead of her sophomore season:

“I wouldn't really say pressure,” she said [ H/t The Associated Press]. “So many great teams in this league, and I think my main focus is just winning with my team. And wherever that takes us, we're grateful. I'm grateful for this opportunity.”

Watkins, coming off a record-setting freshman season, was voted Preseason Player of the Year and has a chance to become the new face of women's college basketball, following in the footsteps of Caitlin Clark.

Watkins also led the Trojans to the Elite Eight last year, their deepest NCAA Tournament run in three decades.