The JuJu Bun: More Than Just a Hairstyle, It’s a USC Basketball Superpower
LOS ANGELES – Before JuJu Watkins takes to the court, leading her No. 1 seed Southern California Trojans in their NCAA Tournament quest, a meticulous ritual unfolds. It’s not a pre-game workout or a strategic huddle; it’s the construction of the "JuJu Bun," the iconic hairstyle that has become synonymous with the basketball sensation and a symbol of hope for a national championship.
On a recent Friday, the atmosphere at USC’s practice facility held a unique tension. While the Trojans geared up for their opening-round matchup against No. 16 seed UNC Greensboro, Watkins herself arrived with a hairstyle that was, by her standards, sub-par: a simple, imperfect low bun. This temporary departure from the norm served as a stark reminder of the transformation that was to come, the metamorphosis from everyday JuJu to game-day JuJu, marked by the creation of the magnificent, crisp high bun.
The bun is more than just a hairstyle; it’s a carefully crafted symbol, a physical manifestation of confidence and preparation. Watkins, a sophomore sensation, acknowledges the significance of the bun, recalling that she probably last played without it in high school. "It just kind of became a thing," she explained. "I started to realize that I played better with it."
And indeed, she has. Watkins is a first-team All-American, shouldering the responsibility of leading USC to its first national title since 1984. Her stats speak volumes: averaging 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. The 6-foot-2 guard also boasts an impressive defensive presence, tying for the team lead with 1.9 blocked shots per game. A testament to her dominance came in a victory over then-No. 1 UCLA where she had eight blocks.
However, when it comes to hairstyling, Watkins readily admits that her talents lie elsewhere. Her mother, Sari, gives her a humble four out of ten. Thankfully, Sari Watkins is the architect behind the iconic bun. Every game day, at home or on the road, Sari dedicates herself to perfecting the hairstyle.
"I try to make sure that my energy is perfect to produce the most perfect artwork for her by the end of our 45 minutes to an hour and a half, whatever it takes," Sari explained. She sees the bun as an integral part of her daughter’s on-court persona, contributing to the "JuJu character" that fans have come to adore. "I feel like I’m being challenged every time I’m doing her hair, too."
The precise methods behind the construction of the JuJu Bun remain a closely guarded secret. "The secret behind the bun is don’t tell the secret behind the bun," Sari coyly stated. However, JuJu hinted that "something’s in the works" regarding a potential hair product or care line, leaving fans eager for a glimpse into the magic behind the bun.
The impact of the bun extends beyond Watkins herself. USC basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb admits that she often does a "double take" when she sees Watkins without her signature hairstyle. Young fans regularly show up to games sporting their own versions of the "JuJu bun," demonstrating the profound influence the hairstyle has on the community.
Of course, Watkins has experimented with other styles. She wore her hair down at the ESPYs, accepting the award for "Best Breakthrough Athlete." She’s also been seen sporting braids and a ponytail. But on game days, it’s always the high bun.
The constant attention on her hair can be overwhelming. Watkins answered a reporter question, "I love that’s the first question," she said with a grin. Watkins acknowledged that the pre-game hair ritual with her mother provides more than just a hairstyle. "I think that’s really our time to kind of talk about the game and talk about different things," she explained. "I never really take that for granted. It’s just a cool thing for me and her."
The bun is also a symbol of resilience. Kayla Padilla, a former teammate, emphasized its perfect, unyielding nature. However, even the JuJu Bun has faced its challenges. During a game against UCLA, an opposing player knocked the bun out of place. Sari rushed to the rescue, quickly repairing the damage in about 15 to 20 seconds. Despite Watkins scoring 27 points, USC ultimately lost the game, leading Sari to believe in her daughter’s superstition about the hairstyle.
Watkins appears to be fiercely protective of her bun. During a post-game celebration, she was seen dodging water bottles, clearly determined to keep her hair dry. Gottlieb confirmed that the team is respectful of each other’s hairstyles. "We do know that they feel better when they look better," she said.
McKayla Williams, a former teammate from Windward School, recalled Watkins’ dedication to her hair even in her early years. "I remember she used to always be serious about her hair," Williams said. "My bun, she would say it looked too pointy or it looked like Mickey Mouse."
Even Vanessa Nygaard, who coached Watkins at Windward, remembers a unique instance where Watkins broke from tradition, dressing up as Snoop Dogg for Halloween, complete with braids.
Before Watkins’ junior year, she transferred to Sierra Canyon, where she committed to the bun full-time. Alicia Komaki, the head coach of the girls basketball team at Sierra Canyon, witnessed the power of the bun firsthand. As a junior, Watkins led Sierra Canyon to the Open Division state title with a 30-2 record. As a senior, she led the team to a 31-1 record and the CIF-Southern Section Open Division title.
"That bun does have superpower," Komaki declared.
Now, as Watkins embarks on her NCAA Tournament journey with the Trojans, the JuJu Bun remains a central part of her identity. It’s a symbol of confidence, preparation, and the unwavering bond between a mother and daughter. And for USC fans, it’s a symbol of hope, a reminder that with the JuJu Bun in place, anything is possible. As the saying goes, as the bun goes, so go the Trojans.
