JuJu Watkins’ Take Five

…Sending your favorite (sports) creators away from the OG IG app. So, while Reels would rival TikTok, IG might just be a photo-first app again.

Plenty of athletes have clothing lines these days, but who of them has got their own custom tailoring operation? Michael Strahan does. Imagining him behind the computer receiving orders, needle and thread in hand.  

“Aura” is a word thrown around too often, but for McNeese hoops manager Amir Khan, it’s the only word that makes sense. When he’s not rapping every word to Lud Foe’s “In and Out,” he’s putting up Wilt numbers with the floor towel.

The NWSL released their new 2025 secondary kits, and they’re all gas no brakes. Angel City’s is a love letter to Los Angeles, the Dash’s kits tell a story of organizing chaotic energies to create a cosmic storm, and the Courage’s kit is a battle cry, paying homage to the lioness being an intense protector and hunter. Ok storytelling!

Even if you aren’t a NASCAR fan, this Dale Earnhardt line—The 3 Car—by Homefield, featuring a bomber that evokes the legend’s classic racing suit, is a must cop. And if you are a NASCAR fan, start your engines!

Despite its history and global popularity, MLB often comes up short in the eyes of many when it comes to cool factor, especially in relation to the NBA or NFL.

But the league’s latest partnerships, collabs, and media deals have us wondering if that’s an outdated viewpoint. MLB is leveraging the undeniable coolness of Japanese artists, brands, and even geography to open themselves up to a cool demographic. 

Their memorabilia line with famed artist (and longstanding Louis Vuitton collaborator) Takashi Murakami ahead of the Tokyo Series is undeniably gorgeous and sharable, so it’s no surprise it’s buzzin’ on social.

Murakami’s collab will feature autographed Topps trading cards that celebrate iconic baseballers like Shohei Ohtani, Ichiro, and Matsui. The drop, which also includes t-shirts, jerseys, and hoodies, will be available March 7 via Complex, Fanatics, MLBshop, at pop-ups in Tokyo and LA. 

If Murakami isn’t your style, maybe you’d prefer more classic satin jackets or Polo shirts. Ralph Lauren is partnering with MLB to drop a capsule collection for the Tokyo Series, too. The more the merrier! 

And who doesn’t love a manga x baseball collab? Manga fans will be thrilled to know beloved Chikawa characters are the official mascots of the series. 

Maybe it’s time to face it, thanks to Japanese brands, baseball is on a cool streak. 

Welcome back to Take Five, a series where our community taps in to curate the music, style, restaurants, trends, and influencers that have caught their eye. From the things that inspire them to what or who we should all be paying attention to.

We’ve had some fun with this series, featuring tennis champion, friend, and OffBall advisor Naomi Osaka and NBA star Kyle Kuzma. 

Today we’re talking to JuJu Watkins, college hoops star and entrepreneur.

JuJu is changing the game both on and off the court. She’s one of the lead investors in Unrivaled (which is seeing a wildly successful first season), she’s getting a docuseries on Peacock, and she’s even trying her hand (and crushing) at scripted content. 

JuJu, what’s good?!

OffBall: What was on your vision board for 2025?

“Reading books.”

Which are your most trusted shoes?

“Nike Air Forces”

Which influencer is your favorite to follow?

“Alex Consani”

@captincroook

U see it or no?

What has been your favorite pop culture moment of the year?

“White Lotus Season 3.”

Which photo of you is your favorite so far this year?

JuJu:

Thanks so much to JuJu for chatting with us