USC's JuJu Watkins dismisses feeling "pressured" post Caitlin Clark-era - "My main focus is just winning with my team"

As Caitlin Clark continues to mesmerize in the WNBA, JuJu Watkins is assumed to take on the former Hawkeye's role. She was second on the NCAA women's basketball scoring board last season, signifying that she has enough moves in the tank to play at a high level. Moreover, Watkins has three years of college eligibility left, giving her ample time to succeed as the face of women's basketball.

However, JuJu Watkins has been prioritising something else. Her focus remains on the team side of basketball rather than personal accolades.

“I wouldn’t really say pressure,” Watkins said at the Big Ten media day. “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 helped USC make a deep NCAA tourney run before a loss to UConn Huskies ended their season. This year, the Trojans ensure JuJu Watkins gets enough help on the floor.

One of those pieces is KiKi Iriafen. The Stanford transfer has the potential to match production with Watkins this season and cultivate a star duo. Iriafen is coming off a breakout season, racking up 19.4 points and 11 rebounds.

McKenzie Forbes was the second-best scorer for the Trojans last season, averaging 14.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.

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JuJu Watkins churned out her career-high against her new teammate

Watkins scored less than 10 points in a game once and scored less than 15 points twice. Her average of 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 40.1% shooting came behind 13 30-point outings.

One of those games came against the Stanford Cardinals on February 2, 2024. Trojans outscored their rivals 67-58.

However, the biggest story from the game was Watkins’ 51-point performance. JuJu Watkins showcased an offensive masterclass, springing 14-26 from the field and aggressively finding open lanes to get 19 attempts from the charity stripes.

She faced Kiki Iriafen constantly throughout the game, who ended up scoring 16 points and nine rebounds on 6-18 shooting. Moreover, Watkins was also put against Los Angeles Sparks center Cameron Brink, who garnered 19 points and 15 rebounds.