USC’s standout JuJu Watkins has reportedly secured “one of the most lucrative shoe endorsement agreements in women’s basketball.”
According to Shams Charania from ESPN, the Trojans guard has finalized a multiyear contract extension with Nike. Watkins initially partnered with the brand in October 2022 during her senior year in high school.
JuJu Watkins Shines in Her Freshman Season
As the premier prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, Watkins showcased her talent during her freshman season at SoCal. She averaged an impressive 27.1 points per game, which ranked her second in the nation, trailing only former Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark. Her scoring skills enabled her to amass a total of 920 points last season, setting a record for the most points scored by a freshman in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history. Her efforts helped lead the Trojans to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1984.
In acknowledgment of her remarkable freshman season, she was named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and received the title of “Best Breakthrough Athlete” at the 2024 ESPYs.
As the new season nears, head coach Lindsay Gottlieb commended JuJu Watkins for her strong dedication and the positive influence she has on the program.
““She’s incredible to be around every single day,” Gottlieb stated. “When your star player puts in that level of effort and genuinely cares for the program and her teammates, it creates something extraordinary,” she added. “I think Big Ten fan bases and opponents will be excited because she brings an intensity that enhances the game.”
With the recent contract extension and her recognition as the Big Ten and Associated Press preseason Player of the Year, it is evident that the expectations for the emerging sophomore are substantial.
Image Source: JuJu Watkins @ Instagram
