Stephen A. Smith challenges Paige Bueckers to lead after JuJu Watkins’ injury

March Madness tipped off with excitement, emotions, and, unfortunately, some game-changing injuries. One of the most talked-about setbacks was JuJu Watkins’ injury for the USC Trojans. Now, with her absence, Stephen A. Smith has made it clear who needs to step up—Paige Bueckers of UConn.

No one expected USC’s star guard JuJu Watkins to be ruled out for the season due to a knee injury. Despite her setback, the Trojans secured a win and are preparing to face UConn, one of the tournament’s heavyweights. This matchup was highly anticipated, as it promised to showcase NCAA titans Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins on the same court—a showdown that, for now, won’t happen.

The Stage Is Set for Paige Bueckers

With JuJu Watkins out, Stephen A. Smith has taken the spotlight to weigh in. The ESPN analyst believes the pressure now firmly rests on Paige Bueckers’ shoulders. “Now we have to look at Paige Bueckers and tell her, ‘Go ahead, girl, do your thing. Do what we expected from JuJu, because we were all bracing for that collision course,’” Smith remarked.

Paige Bueckers boasts an impressive track record in women’s college basketball. On Monday, she shattered her personal best by scoring 34 points against South Dakota State. For Stephen A. Smith, this is the level of play that Bueckers needs to maintain.

“This isn’t just about winning or losing games,” Smith added. “It’s about drawing fans and becoming the main attraction… That’s the expectation now. To have people just as captivated as we anticipated, because we knew what JuJu Watkins would bring.

A Star Power Matchup Missed

The possibility of a clash between these two players—each a standout on their team—was a draw for sports fans. Their previous matchup last season attracted 6.7 million viewers on ESPN, far exceeding the average audience. Everyone wanted to see Paige Bueckers go head-to-head with Watkins.

The numbers back it up. Any time Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins have the chance to face each other, viewership skyrockets for women’s college basketball games. This adds even more pressure on Paige Bueckers.

 

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For her part, Paige Bueckers has openly stated that she knows how to handle pressure and is accustomed to it. Now, the question is whether Bueckers can carry the weight of the NCAA spotlight with Watkins out. Her next challenge is against Oklahoma, while the Trojans, without Watkins, take on Kansas.