USC's women's basketball program is poised for a breakout season, anchored by a trio of dynamic scorers who have already drawn national attention.
A Deep Roster Sets the Stage
Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb has emphasized that the team's ceiling will be defined not just by the star power of JuJu Watkins, Jazzy Davidson and Kennedy Smith, but by the cohesion of the entire squad.
The bench, featuring players such as Saniyah Hall, Sitaya Fagan, Sara Okeke, Pania Davis and Ryann Bennett, offers depth that could prove decisive during grueling conference play.
Gottlieb is experimenting with lineup combinations that allow the frontcourt to share the floor with the so‑called Big 3, ensuring that rest periods do not translate into a loss of rhythm.
Last season's difficulties when Watkins was sidelined underscored the fragility of relying on a single star, prompting the coaching staff to prioritize versatility and redundancy.
When one of the three leading scorers needs a breather, the remaining two are expected to shoulder the offensive load while the supporting cast provides complementary defense and rebounding.