USC’s JuJu Watkins is “grateful” for competition with Paige Bueckers’ UConn and other great teams

JuJu Watkins went on a record-breaking season last year, breaking the season record for most points by a freshman. However, USC's dream run was cut short in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament, with UConn and Paige Bueckers beating them 80-73.

Caitlin Clark has transitioned to the WNBA as Watkins prepares to run it back with the Trojans. However, stars like Bueckers, Aneesah Morrow, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Lucy Olsen and others remain on the college circuit.

Watkins is not only prepared to mount another NCAA journey but is also thankful for the competition around her (3:02).

“I think the beauty is there are so many great teams, and nothing comes easy really,” Watkins said in an exclusive with Andy Katz. “So I'm just bought into what we're doing here at USC every day, taking every day as a opportunity to get better, grateful to have this team.

"I mean, we're definitely going to do some damage; a national championship, is on the top of our list. So, whatever we have to do to get there, we're going to do. So yeah, I'm excited; competition's great, which I'm grateful for.”

Some of the biggest games for JuJu Watkins will come in the form of Notre Dame and Hannah Hidalgo (Nov. 23), a potential redemption game against Paige Bueckers (Dec. 21), Big Ten contender Iowa Hawkeyes (Feb. 2), Ohio State (Feb. 8) and UCLA (Mar. 1).

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JuJu Watkins has a supporting scorer this time

More than 30 of USC’s 35 contests last season had Watkins as the top scorer. Even though the 2024-25 season might pan out similarly, Watkins will have a complementing cast around her this time.

The Trojans focused heavily on their recruiting and transfer portal endeavors this offseason, bringing in the highest ranked transfer from Stanford, Kiki Irafen. The move makes USC a two-woman show, allowing more versatility to run its offense.

It will also help JuJu Watkins to operate off-ball, expand her game and keep attention off herself.

Irafen, one of the best power forwards in women’s basketball, is coming off her best season, posting 19.4 points and 11.0 rebounds, shooting nearly 55% in under 28 minutes of action.