“I had this attention for a year and a half, two years, and you’re going to have it for the next three.” That’s what Caitlin Clark told JuJu Watkins previously, and honestly, we are seeing it unfold in real time. The USC Trojans star continues to shine, breaking some of Caitlin’s records along the way. And could it have been any more fitting for the Iowa alumna to have her jersey retired in front of her successor?
Even though USC faced just their second loss of the season against Iowa, Clark, who was back in the building for her legendary jersey retirement, looked nothing short of impressed when talking about Watkins.
When asked about the rising star stepping into the spotlight, CC had nothing but respect. “I’ve talked to JuJu a little bit. Obviously, I kind of watch from a distance. But honestly, more than anything, I just try to be supportive,” she said. “She doesn’t need my help. She’s obviously really talented in her game. She speaks for herself.”
She also added that the Trojans guard is only a sophomore and she [JuJu] is only going to get better with time. And considering how good of a player she is, the W star admitted, “So it’s scary to think about.”
Caitlin Clark speaks to the media before the Iowa women’s bakset ball game against USC and her jersey retirement Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
And the 19-year-old proved that scary part right on the court. She dropped 27 points, including 23 in the first three quarters, going 6-of-17 from the field and a near-perfect 10-of-11 from the free throw line. She single-handedly kept USC in the fight, scoring the last 10 points for her team.
When asked about that insane takeover moment, Clark completely understood the feeling, “You know, as a player, there’s nothing better than seeing the ball go through the rim. It just gives you confidence. She got to the free-throw line. That’s huge.” She believed that helped Watkins find her rhythm and make some key plays down the stretch.
But at the end of the day, Iowa wasn’t going to lose on a night this big. With the energy of Carver-Hawkeye Arena at full blast, the Hawkeyes secured a 76-69 win, marking their biggest victory in the post-Caitlin Clark era.
And while the night was about celebrating Iowa’s past, it was also a glimpse into the future.
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