JuJu Watkins is a proud peer!
The USC women’s basketball standout spoke with PEOPLE exclusively about her relationship with Bronny James, a fellow Trojan who also just finished his freshman year on the college basketball team.
Not only that, but James — the oldest son of LeBron James and Savannah James’ three children — declared for the 2024 NBA draft in April, a decision that thrilled his friend Watkins ahead of the big night.
“Just to see his success … He’s going to be cast soon, so I’m really excited for him,” Watkins, 18, tells PEOPLE of James, 19, on Tuesday, June 25 at the Meta AI Super Fan event held in New York City.
Watkins also reflected on their time together in the middle of their freshman season, noting that they “were in the same building” in college. “We were both able to do some things for USC, so I’m grateful for that experience,” she recalls.
High school basketball star JuJu Watkins says she’ll look back on prom and ‘be proud’ she went (Exclusive)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/JuJu-Watkins-of-the-USC-Trojans-Bronny-James-of-the-Sierra-Canyon-Trailblazers-062724-f7662080471a4828ba327bd719c7be91.jpg)
From left: JuJu Watkins; and Bronny James.
Steph Chambers/Getty Images; Christian Petersen/Getty Images
The star wing partially looked back on her history-making rookie year, after setting the NCAA freshman record with 920 points (breaking Tina Hutchinson’s record of 898 points). She also became the first women’s college basketball freshman to score at least 900 points.
“I’m just trying to have fun out there. I think that’s where I see the most success,” Watkins tells PEOPLE when reflecting on her outstanding stats — and goes on to say she’s “honestly not happy.” She adds, “We still have to win some championships and bring some things home.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Unlike James, who is projected to be the No. 2 pick in this year’s NBA draft (in which Zaccharie Risacher was selected No. 1 overall by the Atlanta Hawks), Watkins found that she experienced her college career at a different pace when was asked if she was ready to turn pro at this stage of her game.
“No. I didn’t,” she says. “I’m excited about it, but honestly, I’m just enjoying the college experience.”
Shaquille O’Neal Says He’s Only Watching Women’s College Basketball This Year: ‘Just a Better Game’ (Exclusive)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/bronny-james-4-102023-9208e38770fb476b95fdb03d2ec95ccb.jpg)
USC’s Bronny James.
Meg Oliphant/Getty
Watkins had her reasons for not being ready to make that jump to the WNBA just yet. “I was still playing like a freshman, even though it didn’t seem like it,” she explains. “There’s so much to take home and do.”
The “big three” aspects of her game that Watkins says she plans to improve? “I would definitely say efficiency, pace, shot selection,” she says of “getting it.” [herself] better for next year.”
The PEOPLE Puzzler has arrived! How fast can you solve it? Play now!
In the meantime, the 2024 ESPY Award nominee for Female Achievement Award has a star-studded list of mentors on her side to help her get there. “I’ve been blessed enough to have a lot of support from professional athletes … I’ve gotten advice from Kevin Durant and LeBron,” she says, naming a few.
“I think they all pretty much have the same thing to say, ‘Just keep going and keep pushing,'” Watkins says, acknowledging how much he appreciates “getting that wisdom” because “they’re all great” basketball players.
Shaquille O’Neal admits he got a suit he couldn’t afford for his 1992 NBA draft (Exclusive)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(674x0:676x2)/JuJu-Watkins-looks-to-shoot-a-foul-shot-against-the-Stanford-Cardinals-062724-23c577451dc24333b2af032e99b5edc6.jpg)
USC Trojans’ JuJu Watkins looks to hit a foul shot against the Stanford Cardinals on February 2, 2024.
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
Meanwhile, just as Watkins gets that knowledge from the best of the best, up-and-coming athletes who want to be like Watkins can turn to Meta AI to refine their own game and become the best they can be in the sport.
“It’s honestly crazy,” Watkins says of the Meta AI tool. “The ability for fans to have that access to learn more about me and my peers is really going to help grow the fan base. “It can help women’s basketball and sports in general just by educating the fans.”
“People gravitate toward athletes they know on a deeper level,” so Watkins says Meta AI can be used “to build that bridge between the average person, the fan, and the athlete.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education