Indiana Fever guard and WNBA Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark, has quickly become a pivotal figure in the league, significantly elevating the WNBA’s visibility within just one season. Clark, with her electrifying play and charisma, is now recognized as a key face of the sport. Yet, her star power traces back to her college days at Iowa, where she made headlines and drew massive attention.
Her final game with the Iowa Hawkeyes, a much-anticipated matchup against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the NCAA championship, attracted a record-setting average of 18.9 million viewers, showcasing her widespread appeal. While Clark has since moved on to the professional stage, a new generation of college stars is poised to carry forward her legacy. Among them is JuJu Watkins, a standout sophomore guard for the USC Trojans. Last season, as a freshman, Watkins ranked just behind Clark in scoring, leading USC to its first No. 1 seed since the 1980s.
Recognizing the pressures of being a young basketball phenom, USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb sought Clark’s advice for Watkins. In an interview with NBC, Gottlieb recounted how she reached out to Clark, seeking guidance on how to navigate the challenges of stardom. To her surprise, Clark didn’t hesitate to extend a helping hand. She directly shared her phone number with the coach, offering herself as a mentor and support for Watkins. “First of all, she’s so gracious,” Gottlieb shared. “She literally took my phone and said, ‘Here’s my number. Reach out, call me, see how I can help.’ She acknowledged that she experienced that level of attention for a year and a half, while JuJu might face it for three years.”
For Watkins, having a mentor like Clark—who has already navigated the intense spotlight and expectations—is invaluable. Clark’s willingness to support the next generation reflects her commitment to the growth of women’s basketball. As Watkins gears up for the new season, expectations are high, with USC ranked No. 3 in ESPN’s early Top 25 rankings. The Trojans are set to draw significant attention, and with Clark’s guidance, Watkins is poised to shine even brighter.
