JuJu Watkins, at just 19 years old, is seamlessly balancing a demanding college schedule with a burgeoning basketball career, one that has her poised to go professional in the near future. Despite the challenges, Watkins is embracing every opportunity, even expressing a desire to take on new pursuits.
Reflecting on her diverse interests, Watkins mentions her aspiration to learn the guitar. She had intended to start lessons but got sidetracked by the basketball season and other commitments. Speaking at a Meta AI event in New York City, she humorously noted that her guitar has been relegated to a decorative piece in her living room. However, she’s considering using Meta AI to find beginner guitar lessons, showing her willingness to explore new avenues even amidst her busy schedule.
Academically, Watkins is enthusiastic about her studies. She recently took a feminist theory class, which she found particularly enlightening. Having completed two courses, she’s delved into various theories and their historical contexts, all while pursuing a major in communications. Her academic journey is another testament to her multifaceted personality and her ability to juggle multiple interests effectively.
Watkins also shared her experience with collecting items. She went through a phase of collecting art prints, though she has since become more selective due to the costs involved. Her collection includes pieces like Michael Jackson, Joker, and Basquiat prints. This hobby reflects her evolving tastes and interests, which she describes as going through various phases. Despite her changing interests, one constant has been her love for sneakers. Unlike art prints, she remains passionate about sneaker collecting and is even considering upgrading her storage solutions to something more aesthetically pleasing, like clear acrylic boxes from The Container Store.
Her diverse pursuits extend beyond academics and hobbies to her involvement in brand endorsements. Watkins candidly discusses the challenge of stepping out of her comfort zone when working with brands like Morgan and Morgan. They often encourage her to display more personality and quirkiness, which she finds awkward since it requires acting. This admission highlights her authenticity and the learning curve she’s navigating in this aspect of her career.
Amidst her busy schedule, finding personal space and time for relaxation has been a challenge. In a conversation with basketball legend Cheryl Miller in March, Watkins admitted that she struggled to carve out space for herself. Since then, she’s made strides, particularly during the offseason. The end of the basketball season allows her to breathe easier and unwind. She likens the cycle of intense training followed by relaxation to the natural rhythm of life.
Watkins recently enjoyed her first vacation, a short trip to Mexico, which provided much-needed downtime. Shopping and exploring a new environment was refreshing, though she emphasizes her love for Los Angeles, viewing her home city as a constant source of relaxation and enjoyment. This balance between grinding during the season and taking breaks afterward is crucial for her well-being and helps her manage the pressures of her rising career.
In essence, JuJu Watkins is a young athlete who is not only excelling in basketball but is also navigating college life, exploring personal interests, and learning to balance the demands of her career with personal relaxation. Her story is one of ambition, growth, and the continual pursuit of new challenges, all while staying true to herself.
