JuJu Watkins has had one of the best freshman seasons in WNCAA. She led the USC Trojans on a historic Elite Eight campaign, and is now set to become the face of women’s college basketball.
However, despite her success in the sport, she revealed that her current career path had not always been what her parents wanted for her. During Tuesday’s episode of “Boardroom Cover Story,” Watkins said her parents never expected her to be a basketball player.
“Early on, yeah, I don’t think any of us expected, like, the trajectory of my journey. We’ve all adjusted together. They keep me saying in crazy moments, they just give me confidence, really help me stay grounded.
“My parents actually didn’t want me to play basketball. They wanted me to do something else. It was a surprise when I decided to pick up a basketball for them, so you saw the vision and I started it. They kind of came on the train a little later but it’s okay. I’m feeling good, feeling great, yeah.”
takes a question at the podium during the 2024 Big Ten Womens Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Melissa Tamez-Imagn Images
JuJu Watkins is one of four children of former college athletes Robert-Neal Watkins and Sari Watkins. Robert played college football, while Sari was a track and field athlete.
The young Trojans guard had revealed in one of her previous interviews that her father had been instrumental in nurturing her dream to be a basketball player. Despite initially not wanting his daughter to play basketball, Robert was her first trainer and coach.
JuJu Watkins’ parents instilled humility in her
Despite being recognized as a face of the league, JuJu Watkins never let the accolades get to her head. Instead, she refuses to take credit for herself and puts her team’s goals and efforts first, showing the humility her parents instilled in her.
“My parents always instilled being humble in my character,” JuJu said. “That comes easy for me. They have never been regular parents, if I can be honest.”
She added, “They have always been super serious about sports and always pushed me to be a better version of myself. I’m always thankful for them. They have stayed the same throughout my whole childhood, I would say.”
takes a question at the podium during the 2024 Big Ten Womens Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Melissa Tamez-Imagn Images
Watkins is ranked third in NIL valuation and recently signed deals with Nyx Cosmetics, Nike, and Gatorade. She credits her father for helping her with her financial choices.
“(My parents) have given me a lot of advice,” Watkins said. “I would say my dad specifically has helped me navigate my financial journey. Financial tips, saving, investing, all that and whatnot. That’s something that I’m starting to become more curious about and learn more about, so thanks to him for that.”
JuJu Watkins and USC’s 2024-25 season begins on Nov. 4 against Ole Miss.
For more sports content:
Follow me on X at @ErnestLeo, and follow us at @HardwoodHeroics and @GridironHeroics. You can also reach out to Ernest Hernandez via email at ernestleo@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest sports news, click here!
Ernest also manages a YouTube account called Sports On Air with over 103 thousand subscribers. The channel contains interviews predominantly from the Philippine Basketball Association. They can be reached at sportsonairph@gmail.com.
