Professional program blueprint reinforced under coach Lindsay Gottlieb

USC women's college basketball is in a good place. While waiting for a positive update from JuJu Watkins, the Trojans are preparing and ready to compete in their second year in the Big Ten. They'll be ready, even if it means not being able to step foot on the court with their All-American.

The addition of coach Nikki Blue as an assistant should serve as one of many indications that coach Lindsay Gottlieb is building and has established an incredible program at USC. Last with the Los Angeles Sparks, Blue brings WNBA playing and coaching experience to the Trojans that she will look to impart as a mentor.

When speaking of the hire, coach Gottlieb mentioned the number of players on the roster who are looking to take their game to the next level once they leave USC. As evidenced by the five former Trojans who are currently in their respective teams' training camp, the Women of Troy often go on to join the professional ranks.

Acquiring talent is only part of the equation. This is at least true with USCWBB. Coach Gottlieb does an excellent job of then continuing to help athletes grow and develop a more complete game after arriving on campus. It's an aspect that can't be said of all programs across the nation.

Former WNBA player and coach adding pro knowledge base

After the addition of coach Blue was announced, coach Gottlieb spoke on the assistant's experience and what it means to add her to the staff:

"We have elite players who eventually want to become pros, so we wanted to add someone who has pro experience and who is also committed to pouring into young people on and off the court."

It's this approach that somewhat ensures that no matter what happens, USC will continue to thrive. Questions may ask what could have happened during this latest March Madness if Watkins had stayed healthy throughout the tournament.

At the end of the day, what matters is the present. The Trojans wait for the star to heal up. In the meantime, this retooled roster and coaching staff are ready to show the nation that USC is always going to be a contender at the top of the world in college hoops.