JuJu Watkins gets a big boost despite not being eligible for the NBA Draft

USC sophomore guard JuJu Watkins continues to rack up achievements in her meteoric career. In just her second season as a Trojan, she has been named National Player of the Year by The Athletic, a recognition that solidifies her status as one of the most dominant players in college basketball.

JuJu Watkins: A star that shines bright

Last season, The Athletic named her Rookie of the Year, and since then, she has led USC to the Big Ten regular season title and secured eight consecutive wins against AP-ranked opponents.
Watkins has been instrumental in high-stakes matchups, especially in six games against Top 10 teams.
Her impact was undeniable when she recorded her 20th career 30-point game, leading the Trojans to a crucial 80-67 victory over No. 2 UCLA, securing the top seed in the upcoming Big Ten Tournament.

Staggering numbers and records in sight

JuJu Watkins is averaging 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game against Top 10 teams, surpassing even her already impressive season averages of 24.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game.
She also made history by becoming the first player in NCAA Division I, WNBA, or NBA since 2000 to record 38 points, 11 rebounds, 8 blocks, and 5 assists in a single game.

Her dominance on the court has placed her as a semifinalist for the 2025 Sullivan Award and a strong contender for a second consecutive Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard of the Year Award. She is also in the running for the Wade Trophy, the Wooden Award, and the Dawn Staley Award, some of the highest honors in women’s college basketball.

At USC, she already ranks 11th all-time in career scoring with 1,604 points, having become the fastest Trojan in program history to reach 1,000 career points earlier this season. With 20 career 30-point games, she is now just five away from Cheryl Miller’s record of 25, further cementing her place as one of the most iconic players in USC history.

JuJu Watkins legacy is just beginning, and with every game, she continues to prove that her ceiling is nowhere in sight.