Juju Watkins and the USC Trojans had their 2024 season debut on Monday. Watkins and SC defeated 20th-ranked Ole Miss 68-66 in a nail-biter.
Watkins, as expected, was instrumental in helping lead SC to victory. The star hooper put up 27 points, ten rebounds, five blocks, and four assists in the win over the Rebels.
As such, her performance received praise online from all corners.
JuJu Watkins is insanely good at basketball. Mid-day college basketball is pretty cool too.
— Pull up shoot (@NElGHT_) November 4, 2024
Her prodigious showing in the first half grabbed several’s attention as well.
I’m sorry, I’m going to be annoying all season so buckle up … JuJu Watkins in the FIRST HALF OF THE SEASON:
16 points
6-of-11 FG
6 boards
2 assists
3 blocks
2 stealsAgainst one of the best perennial defenses in the country.
— Owen Pence (@OwenPence) November 4, 2024
Those around the sport took notice of Watkins and what she brought to the table against Ole Miss. “JuJu Watkins is one of the best, most underrated one-on-one defenders in the country & I will die on this hill,” Lindsay Schnell said.
JuJu Watkins is one of the best, most underrated one-on-one defenders in the country & I will die on this hill. (She has 5 blocks & 3 steals right now.)
— Lindsay Schnell (@Lindsay_Schnell) November 4, 2024
JuJu Watkins, smooth in the open court. pic.twitter.com/ch13XPCjym
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) November 4, 2024
JuJu Watkins in her season debut:
– 27 PTS
– 10 REB
– 4 AST
– 5 BLK
– 3 STLWatkins is ready for a monster sophomore year 🔥 pic.twitter.com/niZMm9pQq1
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) November 4, 2024
JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen showed up to help lift USC to the win vs. Ole Miss ✅
What a performance 👏 pic.twitter.com/exk22T7UDO
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 4, 2024
Juju Watkins today 🔥
• 27 points
• 10 rebounds
• 5 blocks
• 4 assists pic.twitter.com/3FQQjeH7AG— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) November 4, 2024
Expect more scintillating performances out of Watson this season. USC women’s basketball is aiming for their first National Championship in program history. They’re arguably more talented than they’ve ever been, and stand as good a chance as any to cut the nets down next April in Tampa Bay.
