The Pac-12 Conference collapsed under its weight, sending ripples through college sports that have left universities like USC at sea, trying to figure out the new landscape as they prep to join the Big Ten. Questions about tradition, competition, and logistics abound as college sports make this seismic shift. USC women’s basketball stars Juju Watkins and coach Lindsay Gottlieb haven’t shied away from addressing the challenges ahead.

Watkins and Gottlieb spoke candidly about USC’s move. When they were asked about the move during an episode of the podcast ‘Good Game with Sarah Spain’. Watkins, USC’s star guard, admitted the transition hasn’t fully sunk in yet. “Honestly, we haven’t started the conference yet. We just played Oregon, which is familiar, so we haven’t experienced that yet but curious to see what it will be like,” she said.

When asked, coach Lindsay Gottlieb gave a reaction by affirming that there is still the unexpected, but accepting there is anticipation. “The biggest difference is the lack of familiarity. We’re going to watch film, but it’s different from coaching against someone for eight years and knowing their tendencies. We’ll treat every game like an NCAA tournament matchup,” Gottlieb explained.

She went on, to indicate that preparation and flexibility are two crucial components. “We’re excited to bring a different style and face the challenges ahead. The Big Ten is loaded—half the league is in the top 25 points. But we’re ready to attack every arena with confidence.”

Juju Watkins shines in USC’s statement win over UConn

USC’s recent performance against UConn provided a glimpse of what’s to come as the Trojans transition into the Big Ten. Juju Watkins scored 25 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and led the charge in a thrilling 72-70 victory over the Huskies. Continuing to build a reputation as one of college basketball’s brightest stars. USC turned it into a revenge victory over UConn, marking the team’s growth and showing how much they have grown under Gottlieb’s leadership.

Trojans’ success shows that they can thrive whenever there is pressure. Its resurgence is backed by key players like Kiki Iriafen, who had 16 points and 11 rebounds against UConn. And Watkins, a former National Freshman of the Year. The performance showed USC is prepared for the challenge of playing against the greatest in the Big Ten.

This has placed USC right at the heart of the Big Ten. And they are ready to set the trophy ablaze with a top recruiting class and a rejuvenated team. Fans should look forward to having Watkins and the rest of her teammates perform better in this latest chapter in college basketball.