USC’s JuJu Watkins attends ribbon cutting of Kobe and Gigi Bryant-themed sports space

JuJu Watkins was one of the attendees at the opening of a refurbished gym at the public housing community, Nickerson Gardens in Watts, Los Angeles. Watkins is closely associated with the area, as she grew up there, while her great-grandfather, Ted, founded the Watts Labor Community Action Committee.

Ted Watkins, born in Meridian, Mississippi, traveled alone to Watts, California during the Great Migration, to escape a lynch mob. He established WLCAC in 1965 to improve the lives of people living in Watts.

The sports space was done up in honor of Kobe and Gigi Bryant, as it was here that the NBA legend hosted his “Mamba League” youth basketball program.

“The site is a special location for my family,” Vanessa Bryant said. “He used basketball to teach life lessons to young boys and girls. It serves as a reminder to all the boys and girls who play here that they are loved.” (via NBC Los Angeles)

JuJu Watkins also spoke on the significance of a space like this for the youth in the area.

“Accessibility is everything,” she said. “Growing up, I was chasing my dreams. I didn’t really have access to an indoor gym.

“So, to see Vanessa and everybody just come together and create something amazing for the community and allow young people to pursue their dreams is just amazing.” (via NBC Los Angeles)

JuJu Watkins and others may feature in “Full Court Press” sequel

The first edition of Full Court Press, featuring Iowa Hawkeyes’ Caitlin Clark, South Carolina Gamecocks’ Kamilla Cardoso and UCLA Bruins’ Kiki Rice, was received with much fanfare.

Rumors circulate about the possibility of a sequel to the ESPN and Peyton Manning-produced show. The new trio is speculated to be JuJu Watkins, Paige Bueckers and Flau’jae Johnson.

In just one season with the USC Trojans, Watkins has turned their fortunes around, taking the team to its first Elite Eight appearance since 2004. The WBCA Freshman of the Year created a cultural shift in USC, as she brought in an increased footfall to Galen Center.

Speaking of USC’s women’s basketball games, LA sports reporter Lauren Jones said:

“It’s the hottest ticket in Los Angeles right now, I’d say, even with the Shohei Ohtanis and LeBron James of the world. She’s on that caliber in terms of the energy. People want to be at those games.” (via Andscape)

“JuJu has an opportunity to create a stronghold on the women’s game on the West Coast. She’s setting the groundwork for [USC] to be part of the bigger, more national conversation of some of the best programs at the collegiate level.”

With the upcoming season, there’s heightened attention on the USC Trojans and JuJu Watkins as fans expect them to replicate last season’s campaign.