The college basketball scene has been far from quiet, with JuJu Watkins starring as its poster child. After being voted the Big Ten Player of the Year and the unanimous National Player of the Year by The Athletic, Watkins is now heading into March Madness with some solid momentum. Even among other top-flight talents such as Paige Bueckers, Watkins has continuously proven her star status on the court. With March Madness right around the corner, JuJu’s mother, Sari Watkins, gave us the scoop on the buzz surrounding her daughter.

When asked what’s the secret behind JuJu’s iconic hair bun, Sari laughed and said, “The secret behind the bun is, don’t tell the secret behind the bun.” JuJu and her mother clearly have a tight-knit relationship as she still does her hair for her before every game.

On young girls imitating JuJu’s bun style, Sari told the Herald, “Oh my God, that’s the sweetest thing ever; that’s the sweetest thing ever that she can inspire young girls.” This statement speaks volumes about Sari’s pride in seeing her daughter become an inspiration for girls around the world who aspire to become athletes.

Interestingly, JuJu didn’t start out set on the path to basketball stardom. Sari, a former college track and field athlete herself, first pointed JuJu in the direction of tennis. But when JuJu found a love for basketball, Sari wasted no time in changing course and embracing her daughter’s dream.

There’s one moment that stands out to Sari: the day JuJu came to her and said she needed to get serious about basketball. “Mom, can you please teach me how to play basketball? Please, Mom, just please, can you and Dad teach me what to do?” Sari recalls. It was as simple and earnest of a request as possible, and it worked. That night, she and her husband sat at their kitchen table and made a plan to help JuJu get going. “This is how she lights up; this is what she wants to do. Let’s go for it.”

Just like that, Sari took it upon herself to become JuJu’s greatest support system and coach. She didn’t leave any stone unturned as she put in the work to help transform her daughter into the player she is today. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that Sari’s sacrifices are a large part of what has helped JuJu succeed. She went from introducing her to the sport early on to accommodate in moving their family so JuJu could attend Sierra Canyon High School, which had an excellent basketball program.

Sari’s influence outside of basketball is also commendable. She has helped in shaping JuJu into the grounded, humble individual that she has become. JuJu demonstrates Sari’s mantra of “humility, teamwork, and perseverance” both on and off the court. Putting it into perspective, JuJu still prioritizes being true to herself over her newfound fame. Besides, JuJu’s desire to balance her life is not surprising, given that Sari encourages her to pursue other interests beyond basketball.

Giving it back: JuJu Watkin’s heart for her community

Though JuJu is racking up her on-court accolades, the star hasn’t forgotten her roots. Through her Nike NIL deal, JuJu has come up with different ways to give back to her community, like her “Good JuJu Holiday Giveback.” She partnered with Nike and the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC) to give Nike gear to Crenshaw, Jordan and Finish First Academy high schools. “It’s about just giving back to my community and inner city,” said JuJu.

Her charitable initiatives aren’t limited to the basketball camps, as she’s partnered with Chipotle and Mielle Organics to provide meals and more during her events. In partnering with multiple organizations, JuJu is also able to provide to a wider audience, sharing her efforts and message with many more people.

JuJu’s philanthropic work is more than just her personal quest — it’s part of her family’s deep legacy of service to the community. Her great-grandfather was a founder of the WLCAC, a large organization that has worked tirelessly to enhance life in the Watts community. As the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. As such, this tie to her family’s past in community work only deepens JuJu’s connection with the people she’s helping to support.

With March Madness knocking at the door, the buzz surrounding JuJu Watkins only grows louder. With her phenomenal basketball talent and dedication to philanthropy, she is one of the most fascinating athletes to follow. And boy, is she just getting started? There’s little doubt that whether on the court, or off, she is here to stay.