Superstar Caitlin Clark of Indiana Fever is no stranger to the spotlight. The next student-athlete to assume that role may be JuJu Watkins of USC women’s basketball. Watkins was the collegiate all-time scoring leader and was frequently photographed while competing.
When Watkins and Clark first met in April, according to Luca Evans of the Orange County Registry, Clark gave him some advice.
“I had this attention for two years, a year and a half,” she told Watkins. “It will be yours for the next three.”
When Clark came to Watkins and Trojans coach Lindsay Gottlieb at the Los Angeles Athletic Club for the Wooden Awards, she made a comment. Both athletes were contenders for the Wooden Award, the professional equivalent of the MVP Award. Although Clark brought home the trophy, Watkins was able to ascend to the throne after her withdrawal from the NCAA.
In getting ready for her sophomore season, what can Watkins take away from Clark’s career?
Watkins should be reminded by Clark’s stint on Fever that even the best of the best must continue to hone their craft.
In the second half of their match against UConn Huskies forward Aaliyah Edwards (3), USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) attempts a jump jumper at the Moda Center during the Portland Regional finals of the NCAA Tournament.
Copyright: Troy Wayrynen, USA TODAY Sports.
Gottlieb was astounded by Clark’s demeanor throughout her limited time in Indiana so far. On Thursday, before the Fever’s practice at USC’s Galen Center facility on Friday and their game against the Los Angeles Sparks, the 46-year-old reconnected with Clark. Gottlieb and her son Jordan were treated to a quick get-together by Clark, which only made her admiration for the rookie grow.
Gottlieb said to the Southern California News Group on Friday, “I’ve still never seen anything like this, when one guy, five games into their rookie season, is from all aspects garnering every type of attention.” And for that reason, I believe I was completely astounded by her. She interacted with us in such a genuine way that nothing about it felt forced.
Clark is the only one who might be able to assist Watkins in maintaining her composure in the face of the media circus surrounding her.
Gottlieb thought on Friday, “For JuJu, there’s probably not that many people who understand what her life would be like.” “And Caitlin is among them.”
