Juju Watkins Steals Teammate’s Spotlight as National Reporter Makes a Case for USC Star’s POTY Candidacy
Juju Watkins Steals Teammate’s Spotlight as National Reporter Makes a Case for USC Star’s POTY Candidacy
JuJu Watkins and the USC Trojans are floating on cloud nine right now. Their impeccable conference play has left them impenetrable this season, with Watkins leading the front.
The six-two point guard is averaging nearly 25 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, on decent efficiency from the field. USC’s recent annihilation of Purdue speaks to the mettle and quality of the Trojans. A 79-37 victory is nothing to scoff at, truly, with USC scoring more than double of what the Boilers did! With how Watkins is playing, and how dominant the Trojans are, NPOY honors do seem to be on the cards for the sophomore guard.
On ESPN’s Countdown to Gameday, show hosts Ari Chambers, Taylor Tannebaum, and Kelly Gramlich discuss the POTY race. “Her composure alone is enough to sell me, but her offensive ability has always been great,” said Chambers, showering praise upon the USC star. “She is the fastest one to 1000 points, she’s gotten better year over year in efficiency. She has cut down her turnovers, just sharpening her game this year. It’s been a joy to watch because now it’s just a matter of detail and how to get your teammates involved.”
Kelly Gramlich chimed in with a comparison to Hannah Hidalgo from Notre Dame, and how much pressure is on the both of them. “Hidalgo can have a little more of an off game and generally Notre Dame is fine.” The reporter said about the Notre Dame star, before emphasizing the difference in USC’s priorities. “But for Southern Cal, they need JuJu to show up every night, so she’s embraced that. And to think that she’s playing even better than her historic freshman year.”
However, Watkins performing so well draws attention away from the pieces around her as well. One such piece is Kiki Iriafen, a transfer from Stanford. The six-foot-three forward is playing exceptionally well, averaging 17 and 8 from over 50% from field. “If she’s at the top, drawing all the attention, then Kiki is having her way!” Chambers said, the words ringing true.
