Damian Lillard Offers Advice to USC Women’s Basketball Team: Feed the Star Player
Damian Lillard, the guard for the Milwaukee Bucks, has weighed in with some strategic advice for the USC women’s basketball team ahead of their Elite Eight showdown against UConn: get the ball to JuJu Watkins.
In a tweet, Lillard likened Watkins’ importance to that of Carmelo Anthony during his time at Syracuse University, emphasizing that giving her the ball is crucial for success: “Juju like Melo at Syracuse fr… you wana win give her the ball man.”
While Lillard’s advice may seem straightforward, it’s worth noting that Watkins already receives a significant amount of attention on the court. Throughout the season, she attempted 738 field goals, far surpassing her teammate McKenzie Forbes’ 426 attempts. Forbes, the second-most prolific shooter on the USC team, didn’t even come close to Watkins’ shooting volume.
However, Watkins’ shooting efficiency leaves something to be desired, with a field goal percentage of 40.2% and a three-point percentage of 31.9%. Despite this, her overall contribution to the team cannot be overlooked. Throughout her freshman season, Watkins showcased her versatility, averaging impressive stats of 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game.
Lillard’s comparison to Carmelo Anthony’s impact at Syracuse draws attention to the potential parallels between the two players’ collegiate careers. Anthony, a high-volume shooter during his time at Syracuse, led the Orange to a national title in the 2002-2003 season, demonstrating his ability to take over games when needed.
With aspirations of winning a national title herself, Watkins undoubtedly appreciates the importance of maximizing her impact on the court. As the USC women’s basketball team faces their Elite Eight challenge, Lillard’s advice serves as a reminder of the pivotal role that Watkins plays in their pursuit of success.
