“Don’t Underestimate USC”: Freshman JuJu Watkins Sends a Warning to NCAA Teams After a 32-Point Historic Banger

Her basketball brilliance was hailed by King James himself. And it started with JuJu Watkins’ daunting debut in the NCAA season opener. Her athletic resilience became her shot to fame and every sportsperson’s dream. But her staggering performance apart, it was her post-game statement that made her a superstar material. The caveat that came from the rookie has already created some commotion in the basketball circuit.

The 2024 NCAA season is finally here. And the opening games are getting in line for the week as different programs stand face-to-face. In one such game, the USC Trojans’ new star created her mark both with actions and words.

JuJu Watkins delivers USC’s mission statement

JuJu Watkins made her college debut with a bang, as USC Trojans beat Ohio State in the season opener with an 83-74 win. This win has given #21 USC a lead over #7 Ohio State. Moreover, what’s more significant is that JuJu scored 32 points, 2 more than Trojans legend Lisa Leslie when she made her freshman debut. And, her performance has indeed made the USC Trojans better.

In a quick post-game interview, Watkins was asked about a new era of USC basketball, what it shows the nation today, and, what it means to be a Trojan out there. To this, she replies, “Man, don’t underestimate USC, I mean we’re on the rise, we’re in the gym 24/7 working in ways to get better, come out here and play our opponents and get the dub, that’s all that matters.”

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This victory has marked an impressive start to this season for USC.

Women of Troy on the rise

Representing the University of Southern California in the Pac-12 Conference and the NCAA, USC have a stellar history in basketball. They’ve an all-time intercollegiate record of 847-560 (.602). Moreover, they take pride in attaining 25 All-Americans, 14 League Championships, 16 NCAA championship finals appearances, 5 Sweet Sixteen appearances, 4 Elite Eight appearances, 2 Final Four appearances, and 1 Conference title.

History says, “Basketball started at USC” and the first official game of USC was an interclass drubbing played by the freshmen over the sophomores with a score of 25-2 in 1906. Then the next year in 1907 January, USC hosted its first intercollegiate basketball game with an 18-15 win over Occidental College. All these years in recent times, USC’s basketball team has continuously been building its legacy with many successes in that path.

One of which includes reaching the Elite Eight in the 2021 NCAA Championship Tournament. Interestingly, every year since 1986, it is for sure that at least one member among the Trojans has won the Pac-10 awards. Moreover, 11 players of the USC to date have won medals in the Olympics.

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What do you think about USC’s roaring impression in the opening game? Tell us in the comments.