News Summary
USC women’s basketball players Allisha Gray, A’ja Wilson, and Aliyah Boston are set to shine at the WNBA All-Star Weekend, with Gray defending her titles in the 3-point contest and skills challenge. Excitement builds as the team also prepares for international competitions, and new transfers Ta’Niya Latson and Madina Okot share their experiences. Freshman standout Jazzy Davidson impresses for Team USA, while Juju Watkins continues her journey back from injury.
Indianapolis – USC women’s basketball stars are set to make an impact during the upcoming WNBA All-Star Weekend amidst an exciting summer filled with international competitions and noteworthy achievements.
Allisha Gray will defend her titles in the WNBA All-Star weekend’s 3-point contest and skills challenge, showcasing her talent on a grand stage. She made history in 2024 as the first player ever to win both events during the same All-Star weekend. This year, she faces tough competition in the 3-point contest, including standout players like Sabrina Ionescu, Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Plum, and Sonia Citron. In the skills challenge, Gray will compete against notable athletes such as Natasha Cloud, Skylar Diggins, Erica Wheeler, and Courtney Williams. Both events are scheduled to air on ESPN on Friday, July 18, at 8:00 p.m.
As a two-time champion, Gray is aiming to become only the second player to win the 3-point contest multiple times and the first to repeat as the skills challenge champion. Additionally, Gray, A’ja Wilson, and Aliyah Boston, all former Gamecocks, are among the starters for the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game, which will take place in Indianapolis on July 19. They will be playing for teams captained by Napheesa Collier and Caitlin Clark, respectively.
Meanwhile, the USC women’s basketball team is expanding its reach as players Ta’Niya Latson and Madina Okot recently spoke with media representatives about their experiences since transferring to USC. The excitement continues with the announcement of the team’s participation in the Players Era Women’s Championship, set to take place in Las Vegas this November.
The summer of FIBA basketball sees Ayla McDowell and Agot Makeer competing in the U19 Women’s World Cup, demonstrating their skills on an international platform. Freshman standout Jazzy Davidson is also turning heads with her performances for Team USA. Davidson, who recently showcased her talents with a strong outing against South Korea, averaged 29.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 3.3 steals during her senior year at Clackamas High School and is currently ranked as the No. 3 recruit in the 2025 class. She also has a gold medal from the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup and is noted for her academic achievements and community service pursuits.
Juju Watkins, the recipient of the Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year for the 2024-2025 academic year, has made significant strides in her basketball career. At just 19 years old, she has claimed prestigious titles including Big Ten Player of the Year, National Player of the Year, and the Wooden Award. Despite facing a setback with an ACL injury that cut her NCAA Tournament short, both USC fans and basketball enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating her return to the court.
This year’s WNBA All-Star Weekend and the international competitions not only highlight the individual brilliance of these players but also emphasize the growing prominence of women’s basketball on both a national and international scale. As the USC women’s basketball program continues to evolve and elevate its status, the achievements of these athletes are paving the way for future successes both on and off the court.
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Additional Resources
- On3: South Carolina Women’s Basketball – Allisha Gray’s 3-Point Skills
- SI: USC Trojans Women’s Basketball – Jazzy Davidson Impresses
- GoPack: Women’s Basketball – Set to Play USC at Ally Tipoff
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Basketball
- Google Search: Women’s Basketball News
