USC pays tribute to JuJu Watkins with matching Nike shirts, Funko Pop on bench
Editor's note: Follow UConn vs. USC women's basketball live updates from their Elite Eight game in March Madness.
Still part of the team.
JuJu Watkins may not be in Spokane, Washington, as Southern California tries to make its first Final Four since 1986, but the Trojans are keeping their star player's spirit with them.
The tributes started when USC players donned Nike shirts with her face and signature bun on the front.
The players were greeted by the school's marching band and cheerleaders as the team departed its hotel and boarded a bus for its women's March Madness Sweet 16 matchup against No. 5 Kansas State.
"It just was a team decision that we love her, and we know she’s watching at home," said USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, who also donned a shirt. "We got her back. We know her imprints are all over this program and we are going to channel her energy today and fight for USC."
USC's bench has JuJu Watkins Funko Pop
Watkins and her signature bun could be spotted on the bench during the Sweet 16 game. A Funko Pop of Watkins stood on the sideline with USC and some players held it during the game.
USC calls JuJu Watkins after Sweet 16 win
The Trojans beat the Wildcats to advance to the Elite Eight, and the celebration wouldn't be complete without Watkins. The team had a FaceTime call with Watkins after the game, and USC posted a photo of Rian Forestier and Brooklyn Shamblin on the phone with her.
Watkins' ACL injury in the first half of the team's second-round game against Mississippi State briefly brought the entire sporting world to a halt, sending notes of sympathy to college basketball's biggest star.
The Trojans rallied to win that game 96-59, led by senior forward Kiki Iriafen's 36 points, and advanced to the Sweet 16. With the win over Kansas State on Saturday, USC will play Connecticut in the Elite Eight on Monday.