USC standout JuJu Watkins teases idea of her own "little league team"

Despite just playing one year of college basketball, JuJu Watkins has established herself as a standout name in the circuit. She broke the all-time freshman scoring record last season, racking up 920 points. Moreover, with her 51-point game against Stanford and 14 30-point games, Watkins became an inspiration to young kids all over the nation.

With that, when Flau'jae Johnson asked JuJu Watkins about her pursuits to inspire and teach the younger generation, the USC guard reflected on her desire to lead an AAU team.

"That's definitely coming up," Watkins said on the Best of Both Worlds podcast. "I want to have a camp. And eventually have my own like little team (AAU team), that would be fire," she added.

"So yeah, I definitely want to do that. I think for me, it's like, we working on somewhere we're going to practice, like the team is going to practice in my hometown Watts. So, just to show what they are capable of doing and it doesn't matter where you are from. I really want to be there for my city and the young girls coming up," Watkins explained. (20:37)

Leading an AAU team is a common practice amongst basketball stars. Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is one of the latest entities to do so, who founded the team Twelve Time.

JuJu Watkins has already mounted camps, but an AAU team will yield long-term results

JuJu Watkins has already been part of giving back to the upcoming hoopers and her city. She made a guest appearance during the Nike Air West Clinic in Watts in March 2023.

She helped kids with the fundamentals of basketball and participated in workouts, drills, exercises and bonding games as well. Additionally, she conversed with the participating player through an exclusive talk segment alongside internet sensation and avid hooper Brittney Elena.

Moreover, JuJu Watkins has also spearheaded camps with her USC Trojans, inviting kids from all over the bay. The camp was held in October 2023, with Watkins, coach Lindsay Gottlieb and her coaching staff having a fun outing with youngsters at the Wilmington Boys & Girls Club.

However, leading an AAU team would mean a staple group of youngsters that JuJu Watkins can teach and mentor all season long. She could initiate the decisions of the team starting with the roster, training schedule and fixtures. Moreover, she can also gradually prepare kids for the higher level of basketball.