I'm moderately impressed with Coach Smith's results and trend line, so I don't mind the extension. But seeing what Coach LG has done at USC in such a short time, I can't help but wonder what could have been.
I'm moderately impressed with Coach Smith's results and trend line, so I don't mind the extension. But seeing what Coach LG has done at USC in such a short time, I can't help but wonder what could have been.
The amount of NIL money USC has access to dwarfs by far what Cal can draw -- across all sports. By herself, Juju got more NIL money than many whole programs.
Related: there are a lot of programs with a potential NIL pool that they can't tap because they don't have the right coach. LG unlocks that, with virtually no ceiling.
Also it's not just money. USC was trash before they hired LG. Cal went to the tourney almost every year with her, including the Final Four.
I'm moderately impressed with Coach Smith's results and trend line, so I don't mind the extension. But seeing what Coach LG has done at USC in such a short time, I can't help but wonder what could have been.
Coach G also has oodles of NIL money. It makes a huge difference these days.
LG resurrected that program. It's getting NIL money now because of her.
The amount of NIL money USC has access to dwarfs by far what Cal can draw -- across all sports. By herself, Juju got more NIL money than many whole programs.
There are a lot of schools with NIL money that wanted Juju. Coach G was able to recruit her because she has something extra.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/dan-wolken/2024/03/29/southern-cal-coach-has-juju-watkins-trojans-evoking-memories/73135895007/
Related: there are a lot of programs with a potential NIL pool that they can't tap because they don't have the right coach. LG unlocks that, with virtually no ceiling.
Also it's not just money. USC was trash before they hired LG. Cal went to the tourney almost every year with her, including the Final Four.
I do think part of it was Juju wanting to play in her hometown as well.