Shannon Sharpe always has something to say-whether it’s spot-on or a little out there is another story. But on Monday, the ESPN personality and NFL Hall of Famer had a big-time take on the NCAA Women’s Tournament, and it centered around one of the brightest stars in the game: JuJu Watkins. Watkins has been must-watch all season. The freshman phenom and projected future No. 1 pick has led USC to a No. 1 seed, putting the Trojans in prime position for a deep tournament run. But according to Sharpe, if Watkins wants to bring a championship back to Los Angeles, she’ll have to go through a powerhouse program-Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks.
“On the women’s side? I think it’s going to be a battle with a real USC stand-up. Is it the Lady Trojans or the Lady Gamecocks? And if my brother went to the Lady Gamecocks, I’m going to take the Trojans in this one,” Sharpe said.
And he’s putting all his faith in Watkins to deliver.
“I just think JuJu, she’s going to have an unbelievable tourney. She’s going to go on an unbelievable run. I think she cuts down the net this year.” With Watkins averaging 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game on 42.6% shooting, Sharpe’s confidence isn’t exactly unfounded. But can USC get past South Carolina and the rest of the field to claim a national title? The journey starts Saturday, when the Trojans face No. 16 seed UNC Greensboro at 3 p.m. ET.
