JuJu Watkins has quickly risen to the top of college basketball, becoming one of the brightest young stars in the game. Her dominant offensive abilities have led many fans to compare her to some of the biggest names in the sport, like Caitlin Clark. On Sunday, the No. 4 ranked Watkins-led USC Trojans faced off against the No. 23 ranked Michigan Wolverines in a highly anticipated showdown. And without a doubt, the Trojans came out on top, securing a 78-58 victory.
In the post-game interview, Watkins opened up about adjusting her game to each opponent and her strategies to stay ahead.
The Game against Michigan was Barbecue Chicken for JuJu Watkins
Following the Trojans’ win, Rayah Marshall, head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, and star player Watkins addressed the media. During the interview, the 6-foot and 2-inch tall guard was asked by a reporter how she became decisive about her moves in the game and whether she made any adjustments to her strategy. To which the young star said:
I mean it’s what I train. I think that’s always the goal to simplify the game, and you know play smart. But I think for me, it was just adjusting to the team we’re playing. It’s always going to take an adjustment I think.
Most of the time I use that first quarter to kind of survey what the defense is doing and try to read the defense to the best of my ability. And then once I get a hang of it, it’s ‘barbecue chicken.’
Watkins’ approach to the game shows not only her basketball IQ but also her ability to stay calm and adjust quickly. By reading the defense and making the necessary adjustments, she ensures her dominance on the court. But one question still looms in the minds of fans — will JuJu Watkins lead her team to the championship?
A rising star
The Trojans kicked off this NCAA season with four back-to-back wins, before recording their first loss of the season against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, which has been their only loss so far. Since then, they have played eight more matches and won all of them all thanks to their star player, Watkins who is currently averaging 25.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.
Read More: Former Iowa Coach Lisa Bluder Defends Caitlin Clark Over TIME Athlete of The Year Controversy
Trojans will be playing the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Wednesday for their next game, and as the season moves forward all eyes will be on Watkins to see if she can lead her team to the championship.
Which team are you rooting for this season? Tell us in the comments section!
Ojus, the founder of Swish and Slams, brings over 12 years of experience as a basketball player to the table. His love for the game and his passion for sharing knowledge led him to create this platform.
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