Jazzy Davidson: The Rising Star Leading USC Women’s Basketball

COLUMBIA, S.C. – While the road to championship contention is paved with star power, it’s often the resilience and adaptability of a team that truly define its journey. For the USC women’s basketball team, that journey has taken an unexpected, yet inspiring, turn, with freshman forward Jazzy Davidson emerging as a dominant force.

Last season, the Trojans, led by then-freshman sensation JuJu Watkins, harboured dreams of a Final Four appearance, and perhaps even a national championship. However, those aspirations were tragically cut short when Watkins suffered a torn ACL in the second round of the NCAA Women’s Tournament against Mississippi State on February 24th. Choosing to redshirt rather than rush her return, Watkins has embraced a new role – one of mentorship and support.

Davidson Steps Up

With Watkins sidelined, a significant scoring void needed filling. Enter Jazzy Davidson. The freshman has not only filled that void but has exceeded expectations, currently leading the team in every major statistical category, averaging an impressive 17.6 points per game. But Davidson isn’t navigating this challenge alone; she has Watkins in her corner.

“She’s helped me a lot with challenges on the court, but also off the court, the mental aspect of being a freshman and being in the position that I’m in and that she was in, she’s been awesome to have,” Davidson shared. This guidance is proving invaluable as Davidson navigates the pressures of collegiate basketball.

Echoes of Success

The parallels between Watkins and Davidson are striking. Watkins was named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2024, and Davidson recently earned the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award. Davidson’s recent performance – a career-high 32 points against Ohio State in late February – marked the first time a Trojan had scored 30 or more points in a game since Watkins achieved the same feat in 2024. These similarities have fostered a strong bond between the two players.

Their downtime often involves a shared love for Din Tai Fung, a popular restaurant, where they can relax and enjoy each other’s company. “I can’t wait to play with her, and she’s taking everything head on, and I can’t wait to see what she has in March,” Watkins said, expressing her excitement for their future on the court.

Watkins’ New Role

Since her injury, Watkins has effectively taken on the role of an assistant coach, offering insights and support to her teammates. Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb deeply values Watkins’ steady presence and perspective. Gottlieb recalls a conversation over the summer where Watkins reframed the disappointment of last season, stating, “She just looked me straight in the eye and said, ‘Coach, it wasn’t our time. When it’s our time, it’ll be our time.’”

As the Trojans prepare for their first-round matchup against Clemson (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2), Watkins has unwavering faith in Davidson. She believes that when Davidson focuses and locks in, she’s capable of leading the team to victory. This March, it’s Davidson’s time to shine, to demonstrate her ability to lead a team through adversity. And Watkins, even from the sidelines, will be there with the support – and perhaps even the lip balm – to help her succeed.

The story of USC Women’s Basketball is a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and the unwavering belief in the potential of young athletes. It’s a story where NCAA Women’s Basketball fans are witnessing the rise of a new star in Jazzy Davidson.