(Editor’s note: This is part of the Bracket Central Series, an inside look at the run-up to the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments, along with analysis and picks during the tournaments.)
Coming into this season, I was excited to watch a multitude of storylines play out, but none more so than wondering what USC’s season would look like. Last year, the plucky Trojans made their first NCAA Tournament in nearly a decade and put together a stifling defensive squad in coach Lindsay Gottlieb’s second season. But after top-ranked recruit JuJu Watkins committed in November 2022, all I could think about while watching USC was what it meant for 2024 when she’d be playing for them.
For anyone aware of Watkins’ game and potential, it was clear she would have a significant impact right away — and the proof is on display this season in Los Angeles.
Watkins has rightfully commanded the majority of storylines coming out of Galen Center, but it’s time to change the tune with respect to the Trojans. This isn’t just a program on the rise. USC has shown it has what it takes to make a Final Four run and is even one of a handful of teams that have what it takes to win the national championship.
Watkins leads the way, one of the brightest stars in the sport, a likely All-American and…
