At just 19 years old, JuJu Watkins is navigating the demanding world of college coursework while simultaneously maintaining a burgeoning basketball career that promises a professional future. Yet, Watkins remains unfazed by her busy schedule and is enthusiastic about taking on additional interests.
Watkins expressed a desire to learn guitar, but her basketball season left little time for new hobbies. While in New York City for a Meta AI event, she mentioned her hope that the tool would aid aspiring athletes with resources like training plans. For herself, she joked about seeking Meta AI’s help to start learning the guitar, which currently serves as a decorative piece in her living room.
On the academic front, Watkins recently completed a feminist theory class, which she found both intriguing and challenging. Having taken two classes so far, she enjoys understanding different theories and their historical context. She is currently on track to major in communications.
Watkins’ interests also extend to collecting items, although she often questions her spending on such hobbies. For a few months, she collected Funko Pop figures, including ones of Michael Jackson, Joker, and Basquiat, but decided to curtail this hobby unless a particular figure was irresistible. Her passion for sneaker collecting, however, remains steadfast. She currently stores her sneakers in shoeboxes but plans to upgrade to more aesthetically pleasing clear acrylic boxes from The Container Store.
Her life, she describes, is like a series of side quests, constantly improving and trying new things, even if they push her out of her comfort zone. For instance, working with Morgan and Morgan required her to showcase personality and quirkiness, which she found awkward but ultimately a learning experience. Acting, she admits, is a bit outside her usual realm, but she’s getting better with practice.
During the basketball season, her schedule can be overwhelming, but the offseason provides a much-needed break. The cyclical nature of intense grinding followed by relaxation allows her to recharge. She recently enjoyed her first vacation, spending a few days in Mexico shopping and unwinding. Nonetheless, she cherishes her home in Los Angeles, which she considers a constant vacation.
Reflecting on New York City, Watkins admits it’s not her favorite. While she appreciates the city’s great food, she finds the overall atmosphere too chaotic and the weather unappealing. She prefers calm environments and hasn’t had the chance to fully explore the city, leaving open the possibility that further exploration might change her perspective.
Through all her pursuits and experiences, Watkins manages to maintain a balance, finding joy in her varied interests and continuously seeking opportunities for growth both on and off the court.
