USC

USC Women’s Basketball: Juju Watkins Set to Shine in Home Opener

USC Women's Basketball welcomes top recruits for the 2023-24 season opener

The USC Trojans women’s basketball team, led by incoming freshman sensation Juju Watkins, is all set for their 2023-24 season home opener. USC fans can mark their calendars, as we’ve got all the details on when and where you can catch the action firsthand.

The Women of Troy will kick off their season at the Galen Center, hosting the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles on Friday, November 10th. This game marks the much-anticipated debut of 6-foot-tall guard Juju Watkins, a former standout from Sierra Canyon School, who has already achieved the remarkable feat of winning two gold medals with the USA Basketball Women’s U-17 team. Joining her in the backcourt is the dynamic 5-foot-6-inch four-star recruit, Malia Samuels, hailing from Garfield High School in Seattle.

Juju Watkins, hailed as USA Today’s 2022-23 Girls Basketball Player of the Year, and Malia Samuels are not the only exciting additions to USC’s roster this fall. The Trojans have also secured the talents of 6-foot Harvard graduate transfer, McKenzie Forbes, adding depth and experience to their squad. On top of that, fans can look forward to witnessing the skills of 6-foot wing, Kaitlyn Davis, 5-foot-10-inch graduate transfer Roxane Makolo from Purdue, and 5-foot-9-inch graduate transfer Kayla Padilla from Penn. The Trojans’ roster transformation doesn’t stop there; 5-foot-9-inch junior guard Dominique Onu, previously a nemesis at UCLA, will also don the Cardinal and Gold for the first time this season.

Last season, the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles soared with a remarkable 33-4 record, outshining USC’s 21-10 finish in the 2022-23 season. FGCU made waves by advancing to the second round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament, while the Women of Troy, unfortunately, failed to progress beyond the first round in the playoffs last year.

The stage is set, and anticipation is building for USC Women’s Basketball’s home opener. With a stellar lineup that includes the sensational Juju Watkins and a host of new talent, fans can expect an action-packed season ahead. So, mark your calendars for November 10th and get ready to cheer on the Trojans as they embark on their journey to basketball glory.

Gary Lee

Gary Lee, a mainstay at LA Sports Report, is not just a sports writer; he's a veritable institution in the realm of sports journalism. With an extensive and illustrious career that boasts stints with notable platforms like Sports Illustrated, Gary has consistently showcased an uncanny knack for capturing the essence of the game, regardless of the sport. His prowess isn't limited to the written word alone; Gary's vast experience extends to creating and curating sports websites, providing fans with in-depth analysis, up-to-date news, and captivating stories. For readers keen on insights into the Clippers, Dodgers, Galaxy, Kings, LAFC, Lakers, Rams, UCLA, and USC, Gary is your go-to guy.
Back to top button