Can JuJu Watkins Be the Driving Force to Beat South Carolina? / sportsearchers.com

JuJu Watkins is back, and she is already reminding women’s college basketball why she is one of the most dangerous players in the country. After missing the entire 2025–26 season because of injury, the USC senior has returned with impressive performances, giving the Trojans a major weapon ahead of their highly anticipated November 15 showdown against Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks.

The question heading into Sunday’s matchup is whether Watkins can turn her outstanding individual form into the kind of team performance USC needs to defeat one of the country’s toughest programs.

Watkins Has Made an Immediate Statement Since Returning

Watkins’ comeback has been one of the biggest early-season stories in women’s college basketball.

She made her official return on November 2 against UNLV, ending a 588-day absence from regular-season competition. She immediately made an impact, scoring 21 points in 21 minutes, while adding five rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.

She followed that performance with an even bigger display against Utah State on November 8.

Watkins delivered 32 points, 16 rebounds and six assists, while shooting 52.6% from the field. She also recorded five steals and a block.

Those performances have placed her among the most productive players in the early stages of the 2026–27 season.

Through USC’s first two regular-season games, Watkins is averaging:

26.5 points per game
10.5 rebounds per game
4.0 assists per game
3.5 steals per game
1.0 block per game
46.3% field-goal shooting

Her numbers show that she is contributing well beyond scoring. She is rebounding, creating opportunities for teammates and making defensive plays.

That all-around production could become particularly important against South Carolina.

Why Watkins Could Be USC’s Biggest Weapon Against the Gamecocks

South Carolina presents a different challenge from USC’s first two opponents.

Dawn Staley’s team is known for defensive pressure, physical play, rebounding and the ability to make opposing offenses uncomfortable.

Watkins will therefore need to bring more than her scoring ability.

1. She must create scoring opportunities under pressure

South Carolina will likely make it difficult for Watkins to find comfortable shooting opportunities. USC needs her to remain composed, attack openings and make smart decisions when the defense collapses around her.

Her ability to score from different areas of the court could help USC avoid becoming overly dependent on perimeter shooting.

2. Her playmaking must create opportunities for teammates

Watkins is averaging four assists per game, demonstrating that she can contribute as a facilitator.

This will be important because South Carolina cannot be allowed to focus exclusively on stopping her.

Jazzy Davidson, Saniyah Hall and the rest of the Trojans must take advantage of the attention Watkins attracts.

If she can consistently find open teammates, USC becomes a more difficult offensive team to defend.

3. Rebounding could determine how competitive USC remains

Watkins’ 10.5 rebounds per game are another major part of her early-season production.

South Carolina is capable of putting pressure on opponents through its frontcourt and offensive rebounding. Watkins must help USC compete for rebounds, prevent second-chance opportunities and give the Trojans additional possessions.

Her 16-rebound performance against Utah State suggests she can make a substantial contribution in this area.

USC Cannot Depend on Watkins Alone

Even with Watkins playing at a high level, USC will need its supporting cast to deliver.

Jazzy Davidson has already demonstrated her offensive ability, scoring 23 points against UNLV. She also brings playmaking and defensive versatility.

Freshman Saniyah Hall has been another major contributor. She recorded 22 points and seven rebounds in her collegiate debut against UNLV, showing that she can provide immediate scoring support.

The combination of Watkins, Davidson and Hall gives Lindsay Gottlieb three players capable of creating offensive problems.

However, South Carolina has its own collection of talented players. Joyce Edwards, Tessa Johnson, Agot Makeer and Chloe Kitts give Staley several options to challenge USC on both ends of the court.

For the Trojans to have a realistic opportunity, their supporting players must make South Carolina pay whenever the Gamecocks concentrate their defensive attention on Watkins.

What South Carolina Must Do to Slow Her Down

The Gamecocks’ defensive approach will be one of the most interesting aspects of Sunday’s contest.

South Carolina cannot simply allow Watkins to settle into her preferred offensive rhythm.

The Gamecocks will need to contest her scoring opportunities, limit easy transition baskets and make her work for every possession.

They must also be careful not to overcommit defensively and leave Davidson or Hall with comfortable scoring opportunities.

Another important factor will be controlling the boards. Watkins has already demonstrated that she can hurt opponents with her rebounding, so South Carolina will need a collective effort to limit her second-chance opportunities.

Can JuJu Watkins Lead USC to an Upset?

There is a strong case for Watkins being the driving force behind a potential USC victory.

Her first two performances demonstrate that she has returned with excellent scoring ability, confidence and all-around production. A player averaging 26.5 points and 10.5 rebounds is capable of changing the direction of a game.

However, beating South Carolina will require more than one outstanding individual performance.

USC needs Watkins to lead, Davidson to create, Hall to contribute and the supporting cast to deliver when opportunities arise.

South Carolina’s depth, defensive discipline and physical presence will make this a demanding test.

Watkins has already shown that she can carry a significant offensive responsibility. Sunday’s matchup will provide a much clearer indication of whether she can lead USC against an elite opponent like South Carolina.

Final Takeaway

JuJu Watkins’ return has given USC renewed confidence and a genuine offensive centerpiece.

Her 53 points and 21 rebounds across the first two games demonstrate just how influential she can be. But the Gamecocks will present a much different challenge from UNLV and Utah State.

If Watkins produces another big performance and receives consistent support from Davidson, Hall and the rest of the Trojans, USC could make this matchup extremely competitive.

Can JuJu Watkins be the driving force behind a USC victory over Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks, or will South Carolina’s depth and defense prove too much?

Sunday’s showdown in Greenville should provide an exciting answer.