USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb holds bold vision for JuJu Watkins apart from her playing in the pros

JuJu Watkins proved to be precisely what the USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb had envisioned — an immensely talented versatile scorer. Watkins scored 920 points last season, a freshman record for most points and she is averaging 21.7 points per game this season.

After a defeat to No. 3 Notre Dame on Saturday, the Trojans bounced back with an 84-51 win over Seton Hall on Wednesday, improving to 5-1 overall. Watkins led the way with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists.

As Watkins' popularity grows, Gottlieb has very high expectations for the sophomore guard. In a recent interview with Luca Evans from The Orange County Register published on Wednesday, Lindsay Gottlieb discussed her ambitious goals for Watkins.

"I’m a crazy kind of thinker, too," she said. "I want [JuJu] to own something one day. Not just play in the WNBA – own a team."

In addition to playing basketball, JuJu Watkins is also focused on growing her personal brand and platform to make a profound impact off the court.

Watkins has signed major NIL contracts with Gatorade and recently with State Farm and renewed her partnership with Nike. She also teamed up with NYX Professional Makeup in October and launched her own Funko Pop doll.

Lindsay Gottlieb reflects on strong bond with JuJu Watkins

JuJu Watkins arrived at USC last season as the top recruit in the country. She immediately asserted herself as a force on the offensive end, earning Pac-12 Freshman of the Year honors and a spot on the All-Pac-12 Team.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times last week, Gottlieb discussed the relationship she has developed with Watkins over the past year.

"I would say my instinct with JuJu is to do as much as I can to allow her to be happy and fulfilled as a young person and to be as successful as possible," Gottlieb said. "I want to get out of her way and let her be the artist, creative basketball player she is."

"My human connection with JuJu comes first. Because I think she’ll be at her best when she knows and believes she can trust me," the coach added. "We’re always on the same page with what the team goals are and what she’s facing. I just try and show up for her in that way."

Lindsay Gottlieb, in her fourth year as coach of the Trojans, earned her 300th career win earlier this season with a victory over CSUN.