College football might be dominating the headlines, but two stars from the USC women’s basketball team are making sure college basketball stays in the spotlight as the 2026-27 season draws near.
JuJu Watkins is working her way back from a devastating knee injury that cost her the 2025-26 season with the Trojans. This time around, she’s preaching patience as she nears a return to the court.
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“The whole process has taught me a lot of patience, patience that I didn’t even know I had within,” Watkins said at Big Ten media days. “This journey has been a big test but also very fulfilling to know that, you know, I showed up every day, I put in the work to get to where I am.”
Both Watkins and standout guard Jazzy Davidson were given the spotlight at Big Ten media days this week.
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JuJu Watkins, Jazzy Davidson steal the show at Big Ten media days
Watkins and Davidson were front and center for the Trojans at Big Ten media days on Wednesday afternoon.
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Earlier this month, Watkins was named the 2026-27 Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year, as chosen by the league’s 18 head coaches and a select media panel. She was also a unanimous choice by coaches for their preseason All-Big Ten Team, of which Davidson, off of a freshman season where she averaged 17.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 2.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game, was also selected.
Both were also selected to the media’s preseason All-Big Ten team.
Mar 24, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) during an NCAA Tournament second round game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
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