WATCH: USC star JuJu Watkins depicts competitive spirit against young hooper 

USC Trojans star JuJu Watkins
USC Trojans star JuJu Watkins (image credit: JuJu Watkins/Instagram)

USC Trojans basketball star JuJu Watkins had a whirlwind freshman season, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in college basketball. She has posted clips of herself back in the gym working to improve her left hand doing passing, shooting and dribbling drills with former NBA assistant coach Phil Handy.

A clip of Watkins playing against a child in the gym was posted on "Overtimewbb's" Instagram page. In the clip, the Trojans star shows her competitive spirit by blocking the young fan's attempted shot. The post was captioned:

"Lmaoo Juju didn’t even give him a shot 😭 @jujubballin (via usctrojanswbb/X)."

The rise of JuJu Watkins continues

The rise of JuJu Watkins has been stratospheric, and she has become a star attraction all over the country. She was picked to throw the first pitch during the Los Angeles Angels versus Los Angeles Dodgers MLB game.

After throwing the first pitch, the popular Watkins revealed to reporters just how much the moment meant to her:

“Definitely a lot of pressure. Top five most nervous moments for me. As long as it didn’t bounce I was good. That was definitely crazy, a dream come true,” she said.
“Grew up a Dodgers fan and to be able to go on the mound and pitch, it was really cool. That was like a halfcourt shot. That was pretty far.”

Getting into the Team USA roster is possibly one of the toughest due to the stellar players who are included. It has never been more stark than Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark missing out on the Paris Olympics team.

JuJu Watkins has a personal goal to be in the 2028 team, and doubly important for her is the fact that the event will be held in her Los Angeles hometown.

During an interview with the Associated Press, Watkins revealed how the Olympics has always been a dream of hers.

“That’s definitely a long-term goal of mine when I get done with my college career,” Watkins said. “Definitely something I’m looking forward to and having the chance to do that in my city would definitely be a dream come true.”

JuJu Watkins was also nominated for the prestigious 'Best Breakthrough Athlete' ESPY Award. She will be up against a stellar cast, including San Antonio Spurs standout Victor Wembanyama, Houston Texans quarterback C. J Stroud and LSU Tigers gymnast Haleigh Bryant.

What could Alabama basketball's 2024-25 starting lineup look like? Find out here

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