Calling Jazzy Davidson the best freshman women’s basketball player in the country doesn’t fully convey the essence of what she’s meant to her team.
Not only has the USC guard led the Trojans in points, rebounds, assists and blocks, she’s also immediately established herself as a selfless leader who doesn’t want to come off the court no matter the circumstances.
During the Big Ten Tournament, she played through a shoulder injury that kept her from lifting her shooting arm.
Named The Athletic’s National Freshman of the Year, the accolades are only just beginning to pile up for a player with unlimited potential after averaging 17.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 2 blocks per game in her first college season.
As the ninth-seeded Trojans prepared to open the NCAA Tournament on Saturday in Columbia, South Carolina, against eighth-seeded Clemson, Davidson took time to answer questions from The California Post in an exclusive interview:
What was it like to get the news that your shoulder was OK and how has it been feeling since?
“It was great to hear everything was clear! Knowing I’d get the chance to play in my first March Madness was a huge relief, and it’s been feeling amazing ever since.”
You’ve had an incredible freshman season, immediately establishing yourself as one of the top players in the nation. What were your expectations for your play this season and how closely has it matched what you were hoping for?
“I don’t think I had a specific expectation for how the season would go. I just focused on doing whatever I could to help my team win, and I feel like I’ve made a lot of progress this season. That’s something I’m definitely proud of.”
What’s been your favorite aspect of being part of this team?
“Getting to know all the girls and building stronger relationships with the coaches has been amazing. The connections I’ve made with this team this season have been truly invaluable.”
What’s been your favorite game so far and what made it special?
“I’d say one of my favorite moments was our first away game at N.C. State. We played them at the (Charlotte) Hornets arena, and it was a really fun game. It was our first road experience, and we ended up winning on a buzzer-beater, which made it even more exciting.”
How have Lindsay Gottlieb and the Trojans coaching staff elevated your game?
“Every day in practice, they’ve helped elevate my game and broaden my understanding. They’ve shown me different aspects of the game that I didn’t fully see when I first arrived, and they’ve been incredible throughout that process.”
You’ve been good friends with UCLA freshman Sienna Betts for years now. Have you been able to spend time with her off the court this season, and what sorts of things have you done together?
“On our off days, we try to spend time together. Going out to dinner, heading to the beach, having sleepovers, and just enjoying some girl time.”
What’s it like to be such close friends with a Bruin, and do you both like to have fun about the rivalry?
“The rivalry is great! It’s one of the best in the country. But we’ve been really close since we were about 14, so we never let that get in the way of our friendship. When we’re together, we don’t really talk about basketball much.”
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We’ve seen videos of JuJu Watkins back shooting as she closes in on her return from her injury. What’s it been like seeing her get closer to playing again, and do you ever daydream about being on the court with her?
“It’s been incredible. Watching her progress and seeing her gradually do more and more as the season has gone on has been so rewarding. She works so hard, and I know there’s a ton to look forward to next season.”
Coach Gottlieb mentioned rebounding, ball movement, getting open shots and being the toughest team for 40 minutes as areas for improvement. How has the team been doing in those areas in practice?
“There’s definitely been a big emphasis on those areas in practice, especially during the break between the Big Ten Tournament and our first NCAA Tournament game. I think we’ve made huge strides as a group, and I’m really excited to show that growth.”
What else do you think the team needs to do to get back on a winning streak and make a run over the next few weeks?
“As Coach emphasized, we need to focus on rebounding, moving the ball and staying locked in on the scout. If we take care of those things, the rest will fall into place.”
Did you dream about playing in the NCAA Tournament growing up, and what are you excited about the most?
“Yeah, I think that’s something every basketball player who dreams of playing in college hopes for. It’s one of my favorite times of the year to watch. So being able to play in my first NCAA Tournament game is really exciting and definitely full circle! I’m just looking forward to being in the moment and taking it all in.”
