Juju Watkins Funko Pops A Viral Sensation In USC's Victory Over Kansas State

USC defeated Kansas State in the absence of star guard Juju Watkins, leaning on performances from Kennedy Smith and Avery Howell.

Mar 29, 2025; Spokane, WA, USA; USC Trojans guard Kennedy Smith (11) and USC Trojans guard Avery Howell (23) walk off the court during the second half of a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament basketball game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Spokane Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images

USC had to face Kansas State Saturday night without college standout Juju Watkins after she tore her ACL against Mississippi State.

So instead, they commemorated her with a Funko Pop toy in her absence.

It went viral on social media amid the Trojans' Sweet 16 victory.

USC has Juju Watkins funko pops on the sideline 🥲 https://t.co/4nssLWlq5m pic.twitter.com/qbE3W63mTs

— Shabazz 💫 (@ShowCaseShabazz) March 30, 2025

Arguably the best player in the nation, Watkins averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists before her season-ending injury.

Funko Pop JuJu Watkins is ready to sub in. pic.twitter.com/hepTIJhtnm

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) March 30, 2025

Watkins should be proud of her teammates' performances in her absence.

Freshmen Avery Howell and Kennedy Smith led the way with 37 combined points on 52 percent shooting. Rayah Marshall added 10 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Star forward Kiki Iriafen struggled with just seven points on 23.1 percent shooting, but the efforts from her supporting cast displayed the ability to step up in the absence of their stars.

Meanwhile, Wildcats star Ayoka Lee seemingly never got going, ending with just 12 points. Maybe it was the lagging injury, but often the Wildcats center wasn't even looking to score or get the ball. Meanwhile, forward Temira Poindexter couldn't produce anything outside 3-point shots. And honestly, she didn't do much of that either. After a 24-point performance against Kentucky last week, Poindexter went 2-of-8 from the arc for just six points, including zero in the second half.

Now, USC's postseason journey continues against the championship-favorite UConn Huskies (34-3) on Monday night. Maybe Watkins' Funko Pops can continue to motivate the team.

USC is undefeated with Funko Pop JuJu Watkins in attendance. @USCWBB pic.twitter.com/oW9GVmsKAW

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) March 30, 2025

Jayden Armant is a graduate of the Howard University School of Communications and a contributor to Kansas State Wildcats on SI. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.