CHARLOTTE, N.C.

In the Spectrum Center, JuJu Watkins is fully engaged—cheering, clapping, and trying to lift the spirits of her USC teammates while urging the crowd to rally behind the Trojans.

This season, that’s about all the reigning National Player of the Year can do as she recovers from surgery due to a torn ACL sustained during the NCAA Tournament. She’s been absent, and it’s clear that her team misses her scoring ability, rebounding, and playmaking.

Last season, she stood out as a sophomore, leading the Trojans in various categories, from points to assists and minutes. Whenever the pressure mounted, the expectation was that Watkins would deliver crucial plays.

Now, without her on the court, the Trojans find themselves reliant on others to fill that void. Lindsey Gottlieb will need new heroes to step up for her team.

During a recent game, USC faced a setback against the Charlotte Hornets, trailing North Carolina State by 11 points with just nine minutes remaining. The Trojans needed a leader, and Watkins wasn’t there.

“I just kept saying, ‘We can do it,’ and I think they really believed it,” Gottlieb explained. “We have various shot-makers and defenders, and we utilized that throughout the game.”

The spotlight fell on Jazzy Davidson, the latest high-profile recruit under Gottlieb. In front of a national audience, the 6-foot-1 freshman guard made a statement: “Follow me.”

He scored 18 of his 21 points in the second half, stepping up in critical moments to secure a nail-biting win. With 8.2 seconds left and the Trojans ahead by one, Davidson sprinted toward the basket, received an inbounds pass from Kennedy Smith, and made a smooth layup.

This moment will surely be a highlight of Davidson’s career, marking a pivotal win for USC, which is quickly adapting this season without Watkins. Fans will remember this play as a significant part of the team’s evolution.

“I’m really proud of how cohesive and tough our team was today. You really find out what you’ve got in tough situations. This was a chance to redefine ourselves, and I think we did that today,” Gottlieb noted.

While Davidson stole the show in the second half, it shouldn’t overshadow Londyn Jones, who shone in the first half, intercepting a critical pass and executing a vital steal that contributed to the win.

USC’s 69-68 victory over North Carolina State sent a strong message. They proved that they could compete for a top NCAA Tournament spot even without Watkins, showcasing talent that has kept them ranked in the AP Top 25 poll.

This win was a testament to the fact that USC can still win significant games despite losing key players from past performances.

“Everyone is stepping up, which is exciting for us. We want to play fast and fluid, focusing on a more open, pro-style offense with varying reads. And defensively, we’re committed to playing hard. That’s what we agreed on,” Gottlieb remarked.

Along with missing Watkins, USC lost its frontcourt stars, Kiki Iliafen and Raya Marshall, to the WNBA. Others, such as Avery Howell and Kaylee Heckel, transferred, and Thalia von Oelhoffen has exhausted her eligibility.

Smith is the only returning player who started multiple games last season.

Yet, Gottlieb has adjusted and revamped the team. Jones, who came from UCLA and performed well against NC State, is part of a new lineup that includes All-ACC standout Kara Dunn and Gerda Raulsaite, a Lithuanian Women’s Basketball League MVP. Maria Samuels also stepped up significantly during the game.

And, certainly, there’s Davidson, who made a significant impact on the court.

The freshman from Clackamas, Oregon was recognized as the number one recruit by ESPN and showed her skill on Sunday. Despite struggling initially, she regained her composure and connected on all five shot attempts at the start of the second half.

“With a player like her, you just know the shots will eventually come. We need her here,” Jones said, underscoring Davidson’s bright prospects.

North Carolina State’s coach Wes Moore also praised her game, noting her ability to drive and score.

While the Trojans showcased shooting prowess, they aimed for solid defense against NC State, which struggled with only five successful 3-pointers and 17 offensive rebounds, leading to numerous turnovers.

Smith emerged as a key defensive player, one whose influence may not be fully captured in stats. Despite scoring modestly, his defensive impact was crucial against the Wolfpack.

“Kennedy’s unique; she influences the game beyond just scoring,” Gottlieb commented. “She elevates her teammates while being a powerhouse defensively.”

Looking ahead, USC will face No. 2 South Carolina, a team expected to challenge them greatly. While they may struggle, there’s still potential for victory.

In the end, with Davidson, Jones, and Smith leading the charge and Gottlieb instilling a strong defense-first mentality, USC seems poised to find its footing as the season progresses, all while Watkins cheers them on from the sidelines.