LeBron James reaches out to JuJu Watkins as Caitlin Clark 'pressure' addressed

has shown his support for USC Trojans basketball sensation JuJu Watkins, as she aims to become the leading light in women's NCAA basketball.

The 19-year-old guard, who was second only to in average points scored last season with 27.1 points, also boasts an impressive 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.

With Clark having moved on to the WNBA, where she took the league by storm with the Indiana Fever, averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game, Watkins is poised to take over as the face of NCAA women's basketball in the new season.

Clark's stellar debut season saw her clinch the Rookie of the Year award and shatter several WNBA records. Meanwhile, Watkins is set to carry the mantle for the upcoming NCAA season.

Watkins recently played a pivotal role in Jazzy Davidson's decision to join USC, which was described as 'huge'.

Discussing the expectations placed upon her, Watkins shared her thoughts at Big Ten media day earlier this month: "I wouldn't really say pressure. So many great teams in this league, and I think my main focus is just winning with my team. And wherever that takes us, we're grateful. I'm grateful for this opportunity."

Watkins has become the poster girl for women's NCAA basketball, a status cemented by her lucrative extension deal with Nike. ESPN reports that she inked one of the most substantial shoe endorsement contracts in the history of women's basketball, a deal brokered by Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and Watkins' representatives.

NBA icon James, who himself is a Klutch Sports client and holds records as the league's all-time top scorer, multiple-time champion, and MVP, took to Instagram to send Watkins a supportive shout-out. "Gotta keep you right Ju! !" he captioned a photo of Watkins sporting her Nike attire.

After propelling her team to the Elite Eight in her debut season, Watkins is determined to guide the Trojans even further this year.

She shattered the record for the highest-scoring freshman in NCAA Division I women's basketball history last season, amassing 920 points and eclipsing the previous record held by former San Diego State sensation Tina Hutchinson, who scored 898 points over two decades ago.

Despite being the top prospect for 2023, Watkins herself was taken aback by her success.

"No, I did not (think she would reach this level). I just played because I had fun doing it. I never thought I would get to this level or experience the things that I've experienced. Every day is like a crazy moment for me realizing the kind of life I live. I'm super grateful," Watkins expressed in an interview with .