No one has to sell USC women’s basketball fans on the idea that this season’s roster will be scary. What is worth exploring is why the roster will be scary good. Cece Clay of the USC Women’s Basketball Media Lab does that in one of her many offseason videos.
One point worth making about the quality and talent on the USC women’s basketball team this coming season is that it’s not just a matter of offensive firepower. Sure, JuJu Watkins blending with Jazzy Davidson and a talented frontcourt will give USC legitimate offensive weapons and options. However, this team has national championship potential because it’s going to be so hard to score on this team. JuJu is an elite defender. So is Jazzy. So is Kennedy Smith. The frontcourt figures to be formidable at that end of the floor as well. How will teams beat USC on the dribble? How will teams make entry passes without having them getting deflected? How will teams break a press if Beth Burns throws one at them?
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USC is arguably going to be a better team defensively than offensively. Even on nights when the Trojans’ shots don’t fall, they can put the clamps on the opposition and win a rockfight if they have to. USC will be able to win games in the 80s or 90s, but it will also be able to win games in the 50s or 60s. This team is not just good, but versatile. It should be able to adjust to any playing style or any level of tempo.
Be sure to turn to Cece Clay and the USC Women’s Basketball Media Lab for continuous offseason content.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC women’s basketball isn’t just talented; it has fierce competitors
