USC sophomore JuJu Watkins has signed an extension with Nike, which reports described as one of the richest shoe deals in women's basketball. However, some fans couldn't help but recall A'ja Wilson's earlier "privilege" comments during this year's NCAA women's tournament.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Watkins signed a multi-year contract facilitated by Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and her agent, Jade-Li English. The 19-year-old star had an impressive freshman season, averaging 27.1 points per game, which was second in the nation behind Caitlin Clark.
Despite the amazing news for Watkins, some basketball fans brought up Wilson's previous remarks about "privilege" in reference to Kelsey Plum about Paige Bueckers.
"A'ja gonna keep that same energy about this announcement?" a fan asked.
As is common on social media, many joined the conversation taking shots at the reigning WNBA MVP following JuJu Watkins' achievement. Nike announced back in May that it would release A'ja Wilson's signature shoe, a move many felt was overdue given that she had already won MVP twice and become a two-time WNBA champion at the time.
"It's only a problem with the player is white," a fan wrote.
"I'm sure she's still jealous, but she won’t speak out about it because she just got sent to Cancun," one replied.
"Hope she gets a signature shoe within the next 10 yrs. Might have to wait on Aja's 1st though," another fan opined.
Although Nike has made the announcement, A'ja Wilson's signature shoe has yet to be released and likely won't be out until next year. Ethan Strauss reported that the delay could affect Caitlin Clark's own signature shoe release, saying the company may not want to face criticism about not honoring the league's MVP earlier in her career.
"I'm sorry but Aja not interesting to watch like Caitlin and JuJu 🤷🏻♂️🤣 she just drives in and does midrange shots just like everybody else 🤷🏻♂️," a fan claimed.
"She's gonna say light skinned privilege for this one," one fan commented.
"Why would she? Her name's not Caitlin Clark," another fan remarked.
As for JuJu Watkins, she will be entering her sophomore year with a lot of expectations. Watkins will likely be one of the faces of women's college basketball along with Paige Bueckers this upcoming season.
JuJu Watkins and A'ja Wilson are brand ambassadors of Mielle
In addition to being Nike athletes, JuJu Watkins and A'ja Wilson are brand ambassadors of the hair care product company Mielle.
Watkins and Wilson signed with Mielle earlier this year as part of the brand's effort to "celebrate and uplift" women of color as positive figures.
The two basketball stars join Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese as brand ambassadors.