Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
As the women’s basketball landscape evolves and youth girl hoopers become a target for huge NIL deals and the same superstar-in-training track that we’ve seen in boys' basketball for decades, JuJu Watkins has become a Chosen One of the new era. The USC star is taking the season off to heal from an ACL injury, but a new USC-colored GT Cut 3 might be Nike’s way of showing respect during the recovery process.
The new Nike GT Cut 3 is a perfect mix of USC colors with deep maroon red across the upper and a bold golden Swoosh on the side panels. The gold accents continue on the laces and the tongue logo Swoosh, but it’s the branding behind the tongue that has us guessing these are a JuJu PE. With an embroidered graphic of a flower, we’re hoping this is Nike’s way of giving JuJu her flowers for her already incredible set of accomplishments.
Nike GT Cut 3 Turbo PE
A McDonald’s All-American MVP in high school, Watkins made an immediate impact as soon as she joined the Trojans in 2024, leading USC to the Elite Eight before being named the best freshman in the country. For her Sophomore year, Watkins added to her resume with a regular-season Big Ten title before tearing her ACL in the second round of March Madness. Despite the setback, Watkins is expected to be a top WNBA draft pick and a superstar at the highest level of the game.
We’re still not 100% positive this pair is specifically a JuJu PE (it is labeled PER, meaning it is a personal pair for a player), but the Nike GT Cut 3 in USC crimson will be released Holiday 2025 through Nike and select retailers in-store and online. Available in unisex sizing, the retail price is set at $210. For all the latest Nike basketball news, make sure to download the Sole Retriever mobile app.
