“I’m getting so much backlash”: Secret behind USC star JuJu Watkins’ iconic hair bun finally debunked

JuJu Watkins received immense attention for leading the USC Trojans on a historic run as a freshman. The guard's top bun became her iconic symbol and fans attending games would often replicate this hairstyle as part of their game-day outfit.

In a clipping from her docuseries, "On The Rise," shared by "UNINTERRUPTED" on Instagram, Watkins revealed that it was her mother who still helps her with her hair.

"The fact that everybody's gonna know that my mom does my hair after this, like, I’m getting so much backlash," the guard said. "So, listen, this is all I'm gonna say: I'm working on it. I'm trying to get it like that. This woman has 18 years of experience. So, please, relax! Chill on me for a second."

JuJu Watkins has continued to grow in her sophomore season and is averaging 22.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists.

JuJu Watkins shares her plans for the 2024-25 season

For the first time in 30 years, the Trojans advanced to the Elite Eight last season and JuJu Watkins is hoping to build on it for this year's campaign. In an interview with Sporting News, Watkins said:

"There is definitely a standard we have built and we are looking to achieve and that's a championship. We kind of set the stage last year, and this year we really plan to continue to grow. It's basically a whole new team, so we're still working on chemistry and that will continue to come with as many games as we have."

USC has added some important pieces like Kiki Iriafen and Talia von Oelhoffen to assist JuJu Watkins on a potential run to the championship. At the same time, Watkins is also the face of the sport and is seen as a role model for young girls. Commenting on balancing both of her tasks, Watkins said:

"There definitely are responsibilities. One of the main ones is carrying ourselves in a great way, in a great light and being role models. I would say as far as performance just playing to the best of our abilities, I'm kinda blocking out all the noise. It's really important."

After a four-game winning streak, USC lost their first game of the season to Notre Dame on Sunday. The Trojans will be hoping to bounce back from the loss against Seton Hall on Wednesday.