WNBA legend Candace Parker has high hopes for JuJu Watkins and the USC Lady Trojans' national championship chances this season.

Watkins is back on the court following a successful ACL rehab. The Trojans look to be fierce in the mix as they aspire for deep NCAA Tournament runs with Watkins returning to full health.

Parker talked about her picks to win the national championship in both men's and women's college basketball during her appearance on the Post Moves podcast. She didn't hesitate to name Duke as her favorite on the men's side, but when it came to the women's side, she decided to go against the typical favorites and favor Watkins and the Trojans squad instead.

“It would be so simple to take number one or number two. I'm a renegade; I don't like picking with everybody, so I'm gonna pick USC…Juju has her eyes set on a national championship to be one of the greats. That's what you got to do. You got to win. So I got Southern California,” Parker said.

Candace Parker goes BOLD with JuJu Watkins and the USC Trojans 👀 @ATT #att pic.twitter.com/q8URpdQhD1

— Post Moves with Candace Parker & Aliyah Boston (@PostMovesShow) November 7, 2026

What lies ahead for JuJu Watkins, USC this season

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JuJu Watkins is on a mission to return to form as one of the best players in the country. She has a promising future ahead of her in the pros, needing to deliver great performances to show she has successfully come back from the severe injury.

Five players scored in double-digits for USC in the opening win over UNLV, including Watkins. In 25 minutes of action, she finished with a stat line of 21 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. She shot 9-of-22 from the field and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line. Jazz Davidson led the team with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. She shot 10-of-11 overall, including 1-of-2 from downtown. Saniyah Hall came next with 22 points and seven rebounds, Kennedy Smith had 12 points and four steals, while Sitaya Fagan provided 11 points and three assists.

The Lady Trojans will look forward to their next matchup, being at home. They host the Utah State Aggies as tip-off commences on Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. ET.