JuJu Watkins noticed the difference in class last spring.
The USC standout shooting guard recalled an observation of students in her class, and it provided more evidence in the growth of women’s basketball.
“There’s a big difference, for sure,” Watkins told Sporting News. “I’ve been in class where guys came up to ask me, ‘Who do you guys play next? We’re going to go see the games.” They’re watching March Madness during class.”
Women’s March Madness, to be clear, and Watkins is part of the next wave of superstars to follow Iowa’s Caitlin Clark. Watkins averages 22.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists this season for the Trojans.
JuJu Watkins’ new documentary, State Farm partnership
No. 6 Notre Dame beat No. 3 USC 74-61 on Saturday in a top-10 matchup where Watkins and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo scored 24 points apiece. That was another high-level showcase and a preview of what is to come in March.
Watkins is following in Clark’s footsteps this season, too. On Monday, State Farm announced an NIL deal with Watkins for the 2024-25 season – one year after the company partnered with Clark. State Farm is a presenting sponsor of JuJu’s upcoming docuseries, “On the Rise: JuJu Watkins,” presented by UNINTERRUPTED and 4.4.Fourty Media.
“That shift in seeing how much people care about women’s basketball and people are so curious about it now,” Watkins said. “I would say as women in basketball and women’s sports we feel more visible. I think there still is a long way to go.”
Watkins is keenly aware of opportunities that have presented on and off the court. She is looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Big Ten this season. The road schedule includes No. 10 Maryland (Jan. 8) and No. 22 Iowa (Feb. 2), and the home schedule includes No. 19 Nebraska (Jan. 1), No. 11 Ohio State (Feb. 1) and No. 25 Illinois (Feb. 23). Watkins will be more visible across the country as a result and is looking forward to the challenges with travel and new venues.
“I think that we thrive off of chaotic environments,” Watkins said. “With football, it’s definitely a different level with fandom and how crazy the fans get, but I’m excited. I’m ecstatic to be in this environment and to be able to play such great teams. I love a big crowd anywhere.”
JuJu Watkins high hopes for USC in 2024-25
Despite USC’s loss to the Irish, the Trojans will be among the teams picked to make a run in the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. UConn beat USC in the Elite Eight on April 1, 2024, in a game where Watkins scored 29 points and Paige Bueckers scored 28 points. Those teams meet on Dec. 21 at UConn – yet another game that will showcase the next wave of future WNBA superstars.
“There is definitely a standard we have built and we are looking to achieve and that’s a championship,” Watkins said. “We kind of set the stage last year, and this year we really plan to continue to grow. It’s basically a whole new team, so we’re still working on chemistry and that will continue to come with as many games as we have.”
Watkins watched the WNBA and Women’s Summer Olympics last season, and she is keeping tabs on the new Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball league. These are more opportunities for growth to the game.
“I think it’s super exciting for the game,” Watkins said. “I think it’s about continuing to push the game and to be able to play in a league and get paid a decent amount to do so will continue to push the game and grow the game. I think 3-on-3 basketball is continuing to grow as well seeing it has been an Olympic sport for a few years. It will be exciting to see where that goes. I’ll definitely consider it when the opportunity comes.”
She will balance all that in an effort to get ready for the next level. Like Clark, Watkins will be another role model for the next generation of young basketball players.
“There definitely are responsibilities,” Watkins said. “One of the main ones is carrying ourselves in a great way, in a great light and being role models. I would say as far as performance just playing to the best of our abilities, I’m kinda blocking out all the noise. It’s really important.”
Watkins’ partnership is part of State Farm’s commitment to promoting women’s basketball. Watkins will appear in commercials, social media and events with State Farm this season, much like Clark did last season: “With Caitlin, that’s just great company,” Watkins said. “I think the goal is to continue with State Farm to continue to push women’s sports, and I’m glad that they chose to partner with me in doing that.”