In the world of college hoops, transitions from one star player to another often mark significant moments in the sport’s narrative. Such a transition is currently unfolding as Caitlin Clark, the sensational guard from the University of Iowa, prepares to pass the torch to USC’s rising star, JuJu Watkins.

The exchange of the spotlight was vividly captured by USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb, who recounted a conversation between Clark and Watkins. “She was like, ‘I had this attention for a year and a half, two years,'” Gottlieb told The Orange County Register. “She said to JuJu, ‘You’re going to have it for the next three.'”

Clark’s gesture of passing on wisdom and guidance didn’t stop there. She generously offered her phone number to Gottlieb and Watkins, extending her support to help them navigate the inevitable pressure that comes with the limelight. Gottlieb expressed her gratitude, stating, “I’m certainly going to utilize that as a resource, if she’s this willing. I think that’s just a neat thing. And I do think it’s really cool on her part to be willing to pay it forward, so to speak, and help someone else.”

Watkins, stepping into this newfound attention, delivered a historic freshman season that captured the imagination of basketball fans nationwide. Her remarkable performance shattered records, with a staggering 920 points, setting an NCAA freshman scoring record. This achievement not only secured her place in the annals of college basketball history but also positioned her 121 points ahead of Clark’s pace for the all-time Division I scoring record of 3,951 points.

As the spotlight shifts to JuJu Watkins, all eyes are on her as she embraces the challenge and opportunity that lie ahead. With Clark’s guidance and her own remarkable talent, Watkins is poised to leave an indelible mark on the college hoops landscape for years to come.