Juju Watkins, the rising star of the USC women’s basketball team, returned to the Galen Center this summer not to play, but to teach.
The camp, which welcomed more than 150 girls from third through eighth grade, turned the university’s state‑of‑the‑art facility into a playground of drills, scrimmages and mentorship.
Watkins emphasized fun and community, guiding the youngsters through shooting drills while sharing laughs and answering questions.
Beyond the basketball action, Watkins spoke openly about her recent ACL surgery, describing the grueling rehabilitation that has become a cornerstone of her “don’t move…improve” philosophy.
A motto that moves beyond the court
The experience was amplified by her partnership with Nike, which unveiled the LeBron NXXT Gen By Juju “Silver Lining” basketball shoe, featuring her motto emblazoned on the side.
The upcoming USC season looks promising, with returning standouts such as Jazzy Davidson and Kennedy Smith, plus a highly anticipated freshman class that includes three of the nation’s top recruits.
Watkins said she will bring the same discipline she teaches the campers to every practice, attacking each day with purpose.
The campers left the Galen Center not only with improved skills but also with a renewed sense of confidence, inspired by Watkins’ story of resilience and ambition.