USATSI
Every generation produces athletes who leave us in awe of their remarkable feats. A select few rise even higher, becoming iconic. Generational. Transcendent. Some emerge early as prodigies, like Tiger Woods or LeBron James. However, others rise later through a constant battle for greatness, like Michael Jordan and Tom Brady.
Women’s basketball has surged recently, fueled by stars such as Caitlin Clark drilling deep threes and Paige Bueckers orchestrating with elite efficiency. Each brings something unique and unforgettable to the game. However, Juju Watkins, the phenom from Southern California, stands out even more.
She blends rare skill, fearless confidence, and the potential to redefine the sport’s future, leaving the WNBA captivated by her trajectory.
Juju Watkins is inevitable.
“You could be looking at a multiple MVP winner. She’s going to carry a franchise. Besides Caitlin, she’s definitely the next most exciting prospect. … That’s the one you’re waiting for.” – WNBA Talent Evaluator on Juju Watkins.
Watkins has dominated from the start. Sierra Canyon ranked her the No. 1 player in the Class of 2023. She won the National Gatorade Player of the Year and Naismith Player of the Year, along with earning McDonald’s All-American honors.
She chose to stay in California and committed to USC. Her freshman season lifted the Trojans back into national contention. USC reached the Elite Eight behind her stellar play. The Trojans lost 80–73 to Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies.
Despite coming up short, Watkins has been everything the Trojans could have envisioned:
– Named Unanimous first-team All-American
– National Freshman Player of the Year in 2023-24
– 920 points scored as a freshman, the most in NCAA DI women’s basketball history.
Broke Cheryl Miller’s record for most 30-point games (14) in a single season.
– Fastest Power Five player to score 1,000 career points, breaking Caitlin Clark’s record.
– One of only five players in Pac-12 history to record at least 750 points, 150 rebounds, and 50 steals in a season
– Scored 32 points in USC debut, the most in program history in one’s first game as a true freshman.
All things considered, the accomplishments seem endless, but Watkins centers everything on winning. After last year’s Elite Eight loss, USC left the Pac-12 for the Big Ten. The Trojans have delivered in their new conference.
Watkins dropped 30 points and blocked three shots to lead No. 4 USC over No. 2 UCLA 80–67. The win completed a season sweep of the Bruins.
It also marked USC’s first regular-season conference title since 1994. Just weeks earlier, she posted another sensational performance against UCLA.
Watkins scored 38 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, dished out five assists, and blocked eight shots. This marked the first time a player at the NBA, WNBA, or Division I level recorded such numbers in a single game. It was a masterpiece.
“I didn’t teach JuJu any of that,” USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said with a smile. “Just try to put her in situations to be her best self, and she does most of that work. What I was so impressed with tonight, obviously, was just the mentality she came out with.”
Watkins dominates every level of the floor while also anchoring USC as a defensive ace. She leads the Big Ten in total points (684) and scoring average (24.4). She also sets the tone defensively, ranking fifth (2.1) and fourth in blocks (2.0).
With violent intent, she swats shots and alters countless others. Her shot creation flows with a smooth rhythm, almost like Mozart conducting. At the rim, she finishes with soft English reminiscent of Diana Taurasi.
As the season unfolds, Watkins has become the clear Player of the Year favorite. Against rival UCLA, she outperformed Wooden Finalist Lauren Betts in both matchups.
Despite the intense spotlight, Watkins maintains a level of poise and composure that belies her age. Her rare maturity and unwavering presence separate her from everyone else.
“The amount of attention she gets, the scrutiny, the positives — it’s a lot,” Gottlieb said of USC’s star. “But the ability to focus and say, ‘What do I need to do for me to be at my best and do what the team needs to do to win?’ That’s the mental aspect.”
After last season’s bitter defeat, Watkins is determined to lead her team to a national title. The Trojans currently rank No. 2 in the AP Poll, their highest since 1986.
All in all, Watkins is a transformational, paradigm-shifting talent, both on and off the court, who has a connection with countless young girls around the country who look up to her.
The Trojans have not won a national championship since 1984, adding urgency to her mission.
Watkins hopes to change that.
Yep, we have one too
