USC guard JuJu Watkins' trademark bun has sparked discussions among college basketball fans as her NCAA journey unfolds.
Watkins has been a standout performer for the Trojans this season. She enters the NCAA Tournament averaging 27 points per game, second in all of college basketball. The freshman guard has also displays energy on the glass, averaging 7.2 rebounds per game.
With over 150 assists recorded this season, Watkins is averaging 3.2 assists per game, and her shooting efficiency is evident with a field goal percentage of 40.5 percent. Watkins continues to rewrite USC's record books, surpassing numerous milestones, including the most points scored in a single game with 51, the highest number of Pac-12 Freshman of the Week honors with 14 and the most 30-point games among others.
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Elevating her historic resume further, Watkins recently etched her name in NCAA history by becoming the freshman with the most points scored in a single season, totaling 801 after a stellar performance against Stanford that won. This achievement places her ahead of Caitlin Clark, who previously held the record with 788 points.
While these impressive statistics underscore Watkins' impact and contribution to USC, basketball fans remain obsessed with her trademark bun hairstyle, which she's had since high school at LA Windward and after completing a transfer to powerhouse program Chatsworth Sierra Canyon. Twitter fans have even referred to Watkin's bun as "magical."
Why does JuJu Watkins wear hair bun?
During the Pac-12 Tournament semi-final game against UCLA, Watkins suffered a left ankle injury. However, she contributed significantly to the team's performance, accounting for 33 points to clinch an 80-70 double-overtime victory.
Before the game, a USC reporter tweeted: "USC star Juju Watkins and her iconic bun warming up for the Las Vegas edition of the Battle of Los Angeles against UCLA in the Pac-12 women's hoops semifinals here at MGM Grand."
After the game, another fan wrote: "Juju Watkins battles 2 ankle injuries to lead USC to the PAC 12 Championship! The bun is unstoppable, 33 Points And 10 Rebounds!!"
Another fan of Watkins suggested that a hairstyle company should give the USC guard a lucrative NIL deal because "The way her bun stays slick is unheard of." Several fan accounts have even dedicated their X usernames to reference to her trademark hair.
Watkins previously spoke about her trademark hairstyle with the Los Angeles Times during her senior year at Sierra Canyon. "Look[s] cute, while your hair's not in your face," said JuJu. "My bun, I don't think anybody can really replicate that exactly."
Outside the hair and beauty industries, the freshman guard has secured multiple NIL deals, partnering with notable brands such as Nike, Lids, Cash App, and the caffeinated beverage Celsius. According to On3, Watkins holds the 12th position in women's college basketball for NIL earnings. However, her exact valuation remains undisclosed.