USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb praised JuJu Watkins for how gracefully she handles her stardom

USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins is one of college basketball’s biggest stars, and she wears that crown well.

Being in the spotlight is challenging, especially if you’re a young hooper expected to lead a massive program like USC, which has only grown since your arrival. However, head coach Lindsay Gottlieb says JuJu’s handling of all the expectations is commendable.

“It’s unbelievable,” she recently told SiriusXM College Sports Radio. “I see it every day, the grace with which she handles really positive attention and the way she galvanized the community…”

Here’s more from Gottlieb on how well JuJu maneuvers her stardom:

“When I got the job here, there were 700 people in the stands. Now, there’s thousands. Right? That’s, I think, because of her gravity, and she understands that. And, then, also the scrutiny that she takes. She’s probably the most game-planned-for college athlete in our sport ever…”

“She literally just continues to grow before our eyes. Her talent is abundant, and she keeps getting better. But more so, just the way she handles what’s coming at her and continues to raise her own level is really something that I feel very fortunate to have a front-row seat and try and help her navigate through that.”

In the post-Caitlin Clark world of college basketball, everyone looked for the next big star to take over the game.

Enter JuJu Watkins.@USCWBB HC @CoachLindsayG on the growth of the Trojans' young superstar.@Jujubballin | @BigAntHerron pic.twitter.com/RZehMF1ed7

— College Sports on SiriusXM (@SXMCollege) February 21, 2025