USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb and star player JuJu Watkins have been making waves in the Los Angeles sports scene, drawing attention from some of the biggest names in the city. At the annual Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Blue Diamond Gala, Watkins was the center of attention, with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, owner Mark Walter, Magic Johnson, and other Lakers personnel all eager to meet her. It’s clear that Watkins has become a star among stars in L.A.
Watkins’ rise to fame began during her historic first season at USC, where she set the NCAA record for points by a freshman and led the Trojans to their first conference title in a decade and first Elite Eight appearance in 30 years. Her signature bun hairstyle has become iconic, even featured in a national AT&T commercial during March Madness.
As a Los Angeles native, Watkins has always had a plan to use her influence to elevate her community. Signing with Klutch Sports in high school allowed her to start building her brand portfolio early on. Choosing to attend USC was a strategic move to remain in the spotlight and continue to impact her city.
The city of Los Angeles has embraced Watkins, with attendance at USC women’s basketball games skyrocketing since her arrival. Celebrities from actors to musicians have been spotted courtside cheering on the Trojans, drawn in by Watkins’ star power.
Anticipating the increased attention, USC reached out to other programs for advice on handling the spotlight. With Watkins becoming the face of women’s college basketball, security protocols were updated, and road game protocols were put in place to navigate the newfound fame.
Off the court, Watkins has secured numerous national marketing deals, including partnerships with Nike, State Farm, Gatorade, and Fanatics. Her image is everywhere, from billboards in downtown L.A. to television commercials during major events like the Super Bowl.
Despite the distractions, Watkins remains focused on basketball, leading USC to its first conference regular-season title in over 30 years. Her dedication to the game is unwavering, with a focus on improving her skills and staying hydrated to avoid past issues with cramping.
As her star continues to rise, the hype surrounding JuJu Watkins shows no signs of slowing down. Whether she’s on the court or off, Watkins is making a lasting impact on the city of Los Angeles and the world of women’s basketball.
