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USC women's college basketball star JuJu Watkins had an intriguing conversation with Paul George on "Podcast P with Paul George" recently. He praised her iconic high bun hairstyle, saying that it has the potential to start a new generational trend among girls. Watkins, however, had a comical response, saying that the bun is not just limited to girls and can be "handsome and cute" on men as well.
“Men can wear buns too the bun can be ‘handsome and cute’,” Watkins said. “It's co-ed.” (Timestamp: 4:20)
Watkins' hairstyle has become somewhat of a mystery, with its origins dating to high school when her mom first introduced her to it.
“But it's crazy to think about,” Watkins said. “I don't know, just creating like a new kind of swag. It's cool.”
Despite having the option to style her hair in various ways, Watkins has stuck with her iconic bun, which has even landed her a co-starring role in an AT&T commercial alongside NBA player Joel Embiid.
“I just think it looks good,” she said on the podcast. “So, I just wear it. It's been a thing since I've been doing it for a long time. My mom put me on.”
JuJu Watkins, a Los Angeles native, chose USC over South Carolina and Stanford. She led the Trojans to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament before losing to Connecticut.
NCAA standout JuJu Watkins’ age requirement delays draft hopes until 2027
Even though Watkins achieved an NCAA Division I freshman scoring record, she'll need to wait until 2027 to meet the WNBA draft's age requirement before she's eligible to be drafted.
According to the eligibility rules, players must either be 22 years old within the draft year or have graduated from a four-year university. This age requirement has been a part of the league's collective bargaining agreement since its inception in 1999 and has faced little opposition.
USC assistant coach Chris Koclanes, who has worked with the WNBA's Connecticut Sun and the LA Sparks, believes that if players are ready to pursue a WNBA career and do not want to be in school, “give them the option.”
According to the Los Angeles Times, the league's collective bargaining agreement, which is set to run through 2027, could see changes in eligibility rules by 2026 if early negotiations take place.
Also read: IN PHOTOS: USC star JuJu Watkins makes an appearance at Magic Johnson's LAFC as 'Honorary Falconer'
