No. 11 USC Women’s Basketball is navigating through a challenging season as star player JuJu Watkins remains sidelined while recovering from an ACL tear. Despite this setback, the team has shown resilience, achieving a commendable 3-1 record in their first four games.
A key highlight for the Trojans is freshman Jazzy Davidson, who is stepping into a significant role following her top ranking as a high school player by ESPN. Davidson has made a strong impression, averaging 14.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Her performance in USC’s recent 78-51 victory over Portland was particularly notable, as she scored a game-high 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Davidson’s all-around contributions included five assists, showcasing her versatility on the court.
Following the win, Davidson expressed her gratitude for the experiences she is gaining early in her collegiate career, emphasizing the importance of learning from her teammates and coaches. Beyond her scoring ability, her defensive prowess has also stood out, as she effectively anticipates passes and creates turnovers, leading to fastbreak opportunities. This was highlighted during the game when Davidson stole a pass and converted it into points, demonstrating her ability to impact both ends of the floor.
While Davidson’s shooting from beyond the arc has room for improvement—she struggled with a 0-for-4 performance in the game—her overall play has been a positive sign for the Trojans. With the pressures of performing in a prominent program like USC and facing the challenge of not having Watkins alongside her, Davidson is proving to be a promising asset for the team.
Adding to USC’s strengths is the arrival of transfer Londynn Jones from UCLA, who has quickly made her mark as an offensive catalyst. In the game against Portland, Jones contributed 12 points, all from three-point territory, providing an additional dimension to USC’s offense. Her experience offers valuable support to the younger players, and the developing partnership between Jones and Davidson is expected to enhance the team’s performance as the season progresses.
As USC continues to navigate the challenges of the season, the promising play of Davidson, alongside the contributions from Jones, indicates a bright future for the Trojans. They are successfully winning the matches they are expected to, while also building the necessary chemistry to face the competitive landscape of the Big Ten. With Davidson living up to her reputation and the team finding its rhythm, USC looks poised for what could be another exciting chapter in the history of Trojan basketball.