JuJu Watkins: The Rising Star of NCAA Women's Basketball

JuJu Watkins: A Phenomenon in Women's Basketball

JuJu Watkins, a native of Los Angeles, made a pivotal decision to play college basketball at USC, a choice that has reshaped her career and the program's trajectory. Her freshman year was nothing short of historic, setting records and leading her team to remarkable achievements.

Record-Breaking Freshman Year

Points Galore:

• 920 points in her freshman season, surpassing the previous NCAA Division I women's basketball record held since 1983-84.
• 27.1 points per game, ranking second nationally, just behind Caitlin Clark.
• 14 games with 30 or more points, setting a new benchmark for USC.

Historical Milestones:

• Scored a school-record 51 points against No. 4 Stanford, the highest single-game score in the nation for 2023-24.
• Made 241 free throws, another USC single-season record.

Accolades and Achievements

• Unanimous first-team All-American
• WBCA Coaches' All-American
• USBWA National Freshman of the Year
• Pac-12 Freshman of the Year

High School and International Success

Before her college days, Watkins was a standout in high school and on the international stage, earning titles such as Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year and FIBA Under-17 Women's World Cup MVP.

Impact on USC

Watkins' presence has elevated USC's basketball program, leading the Trojans to their deepest NCAA tournament run in three decades. Her scoring prowess and leadership have made her a cornerstone of the team's future.

Looking Ahead

As Watkins continues her collegiate career, the expectations are sky-high. With her talent and determination, she is poised to leave an indelible mark on women's basketball and inspire future generations. For the latest updates on JuJu Watkins and USC basketball, visit the ESPN women's college basketball hub page.