JuJu Watkins had a sky-high usage rate last season, the estimated percentage of a team's possessions a player uses while on the floor. Something previously discussed here at 5wins over the summer. The question is, as USC signs talented freshmen and transfers, joins the Big Ten, and continues to build around Watkins, could that 42.7 percent usage rate be even higher?

The case for increasing:

JuJu Watkins led the nation in usage as a freshman. She was one of only three players to break 40 percent, joining Florida’s Aliyah Mathura and Iowa’s Caitlin Clark.

Watkins has room to grow with more offensive responsibility despite averaging 27.1 points per game. After a year in the spotlight, she has received invaluable experience, which may further boost her output.

She took over six three-point attempts per game last season, converting at about 32 percent. As her confidence grows, Watkins could become even more dangerous from long range. She was in the NCAA top 100 in three-point attempts but wasn’t in the top 50. Watkins took less than half of Caitlin Clark’s approximately 500 attempts. If she took one more three a game combined with slightly improved shooting,

it would complete her status as a singular offensive comet. USC has brought in strong rebounders who can get more boxouts, creating even more grab-and-go opportunities for efficient offense.

The case for decreasing:

For USC to be a more balanced team and for Watkins to thrive, her usage rate has to go down.

USC made moves to address this, bringing in KiKi Iriafen from Stanford. While Watkins led the Pac-12 in usage rate, Iriafen was second, pairing with Cameron Brink to stuff the stat sheet in Palo Alto. Iriafen soaking usage and attention away from Watkins will open more shots and ease Watkins’ burden. Two-time All-Pac-12 guard Talia Von Oelhoffen will help handle the table-setting and defense after transferring in from Oregon State. Another ball-handler in the mix means less JuJu Watkins dribbling.

The changes at USC are poised to help Watkins’ efficiency, which would cut the usage in favor of a better offense. That may mean Watkins isn’t as singularly important to the Trojans, but maybe even more effective.

So what do you think? Will JuJu Watkins' usage go up or down next season?

Vote on the 5wins Instagram!