UCLA and USC Women's Basketball Prepare for Big Ten Challenges

UCLA and USC women's basketball teams are attracting significant attention as they prepare for the upcoming Big Ten season. UCLA recently celebrated a national championship, while USC is looking to capitalize on the return of star player JuJu Watkins, who missed last season due to injury.

Since joining the Big Ten, both teams have performed well, with UCLA winning the conference tournament twice and reaching the Final Four two years ago. USC aims to reclaim its status among the elite teams in women's basketball, bolstered by a strong recruiting class and Watkins' return.

The Big Ten faces a challenge from these West Coast teams, with Iowa and Michigan seen as potential contenders. Coaches from various teams acknowledge the increased competitiveness of the league, emphasizing the need to rise to the occasion against UCLA and USC.