Rising Star: JuJu Watkins Makes History in College Basketball
JuJu Watkins, the highly touted five-star recruit from Sierra Canyon School, made a bold decision to stay close to home and play college basketball at USC. That choice proved to be a game-changer, as Watkins shattered records and led the Trojans to unprecedented success.
A Freshman Phenom
Watkins’ remarkable freshman campaign saw her become the leading scorer among freshmen in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history, breaking a record that had stood for an astonishing four decades. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged an impressive 27.1 points per game, second only to Caitlin Clark’s 31.6. Her impressive stats didn’t stop there – Watkins tallied 14 games with 30-plus points, setting a new USC record for both men’s and women’s basketball.
Elite Eight and Beyond
Watkins’ on-court prowess led the Trojans to the Elite Eight, the school’s deepest NCAA tournament run in 30 years. Off the court, she made headlines by signing one of the richest shoe endorsement deals in women’s basketball, cementing her status as a rising star.
Awards and Accolades
Watkins’ impressive resume boasts an array of accolades, including:
- College Freshman: 920 points, most in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history
- Unanimous first-team All-American
- WBCA Coaches’ All-American
- Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard of the Year (first winner in USC history)
- USBWA National Freshman of the Year
- WBCA Freshman of the Year
- And many more…
High School and International Success
Before dominating the college scene, Watkins was a force to be reckoned with in high school and international competition. Her impressive credentials include:
- 2023 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year
- Gold medal at FIBA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Hungary
- FIBA Under-17 Women’s World Cup MVP
- Gold medal at FIBA Under-16 Women’s AmeriCup
- FIBA Under-16 Women’s AmeriCup MVP
The Future is Bright
With her record-breaking freshman season behind her, JuJu Watkins is poised to continue making waves in the world of college basketball. Stay up-to-date with the latest news, schedules, rankings, and more at the ESPN women’s college basketball hub page.
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