JuJu Watkins' iconic bun boosts her basketball performance

JuJu Watkins, a rising star in women's basketball, is known for her iconic high bun. It has become a symbol of her game day routine with the Southern California Trojans. Ahead of their NCAA Tournament opener, JuJu arrived at practice with a low bun, prompting questions about her hair. The sophomore star explained that she plays better with her hair styled in a high bun. She credits her mother, Sari, for the perfect bun, which takes careful preparation before games. "It's a part of this character," Sari said, hinting that the bun might even have a "superpower." JuJu, a first-team All American, is leading the Trojans in a quest for their first national title since 1984. She averages impressive stats, including 24.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. While she embraces the attention on her hairstyle, she admits it can be overwhelming at times. Throughout her years in basketball, JuJu has tried different styles, but her high bun remains her signature look on game days. Her teammates respect the bun, sometimes going out of their way to avoid getting it wet during celebrations. The bond between JuJu and her mother during the hair rituals is special. JuJu appreciates the time spent together discussing basketball and life. "I never really take that for granted," she noted. Despite its iconic status, the bun is not indestructible. Sari once had to fix it during a game after it got knocked out. Nonetheless, the bun continues to be a cherished part of JuJu's identity on and off the court, and it seems to fuel her performance.