The USC Trojans star, JuJu Watkins, received a remarkable surprise following her team’s dominant victory over the UCLA Bruins. Watkins had an outstanding performance, putting up 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 8 blocks, and 38 points, leading the Trojans to a 71-60 win.
After such an impressive display on the court, Juju Watkins was taken aback by the unexpected gesture she discovered in downtown Los Angeles. Being a native of the southern part of the city, it made perfect sense for her to choose a school close to home. Her decision, combined with her extraordinary skills, has helped USC regain its reputation as a powerhouse basketball program after a long period of rebuilding.
A pleasant surprise for Juju
Despite still being early in her college career, Juju Watkins’ presence is already being celebrated in Los Angeles. Several buildings around the city now feature murals honoring her, much like what was done for Luka Doncic, who is immortalized in a mural alongside basketball legend Kobe Bryant. This unexpected recognition was a huge surprise for Watkins, a clear sign of her growing influence.
Coming 🔜!
JuJu Watkins mural in the works 👀✌️ pic.twitter.com/hgY2xSEaPs— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) February 17, 2025
This season, Watkins is averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, further cementing her status as one of the top players in college basketball. Since high school, she has gained attention for her exceptional technique and talent on the court. Her stellar performances have earned her multiple awards, including Big Ten Women’s Basketball Player of the Week five times this season, and she was named WBCA Rookie of the Year.
Juju Watkins success has caught the attention of major brands, including Nike, which has already extended her contract for several years. Recently, she also appeared in a controversial Super Bowl commercial, further elevating her profile. Watkins is clearly a rising star in the sports world.
