USC Basketball Faces New Season Without Star JuJu Watkins

The USC Trojans are entering a pivotal season in college basketball, but the absence of star player JuJu Watkins due to a knee injury casts a long shadow over their aspirations. As the Trojans prepare to face New Mexico State on November 7, 2023, the weight of expectations has shifted significantly. Last season, the pressure to deliver a national title was palpable, but with Watkins sidelined, the team is approaching this year with a different mindset.

Coach Lindsay Gottlieb reflects on the previous season’s intense scrutiny. “Everyone felt we were a national championship contender,” she stated, acknowledging the burden of high expectations. The Trojans made a commendable run to the Elite Eight last March, but the loss of Watkins—who suffered a severe knee injury during the NCAA tournament—has altered the landscape for the current season.

As USC gears up for its opener, the spotlight is less intense. The Trojans are ranked No. 18 in the initial Associated Press top 25 poll, a position Gottlieb describes as an “educated guess.” While some fans expressed disappointment over the ranking, the reality remains that the team has lost not only Watkins but also six of its top seven scorers from last year. This includes players who have either graduated, moved to the WNBA, or transferred.

USC faces a challenging season ahead, with a schedule that includes matchups against some of the nation’s top teams, including UCLA and South Carolina. “There’s a lot more that’s still unknown than at this time last year,” Gottlieb remarked. The team must fill significant gaps, especially in the frontcourt, where no proven players are currently available.

The coach is realistic about replacing Watkins’ impact, describing her role as irreplaceable. Freshman Jazzy Davidson, the nation’s top prospect for 2025, may be the most promising player stepping into this void. “No one is filling JuJu’s shoes. Those are very unique shoes,” Gottlieb noted. Davidson has already made a remarkable impression within the program.

Davidson emphasizes her unique skill set, stating, “I think we both do separate things.” Her defensive abilities, characterized by impressive length and agility, could be crucial for the Trojans this season. Sophomore guard Kennedy Smith praised Davidson, saying, “Her wingspan is so long. She’s blocking shots all the time.”

While Davidson is expected to contribute significantly, how quickly her talent translates into on-court performance will be vital for USC’s success. The Trojans will require other players to step up, particularly Smith, who aims to improve her scoring consistency after a solid defensive debut season. Following her participation in the FIBA AmeriCup, Smith stated, “I feel like in my role, I have to be more consistent.”

The team will also rely on Kara Dunn, a transfer from Georgia Tech, to be a consistent threat from three-point range. With USC’s frontcourt comprised of players yet to prove themselves in college basketball, including Yakiya Milton, Laura Williams, Vivian Iwuchukwu, and Gerda Raulusaityte, the need for someone to emerge is critical.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the roster, the goal remains unwavering. “The goal still remains the same, which is the national championship,” Smith affirmed. The Trojans are prepared to navigate this season’s challenges, aiming to defend their Big Ten title against a backdrop of change.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how USC adapts in Watkins’ absence and whether this new chapter can lead them back to championship contention.