The Next Superstar of the WNBA: Who Is JuJu Watkins?

By Jocelyn Alano June 13, 2024 12:33

Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images

JuJu Watkins, a rising basketball sensation from Los Angeles, is making waves in the world of women's basketball. With an impressive high school career and a stellar freshman season at the University of Southern California (USC), she's on course to become the next big star in the WNBA. In this comprehensive article, we'll delve into who JuJu Watkins is, her journey to stardom, her achievements, and the excitement surrounding her potential in the WNBA.

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Who is JuJu Watkins?

JuJu Watkins - the future basketball star - was born July 15, 2005, in Los Angeles, CA. Her proverbial stardom dates back to her days as a high school star at Sierra Canyon High, where she stood out while winning multiple accolades throughout her career. She was also awarded the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year - something only two USC players, including legend Lisa Leslie can claim.

Freshman Season at USC

Well, Watkins' college career has been nothing short of spectacular since she reached USC. She not only made history and broke records but pretty much made her presence felt on the court in just her first year as a true freshman. Averaging nearly 27.0 points a game her freshman year, she is an all-time top scorer for the school. She specifically scored an unbelievable 51 points in a game, a mark that broke a single-season record of a then-USC great Cheryl Miller.

The WNBA and JuJu Watkins

The path has been storied and her college experience at USC has been All-American so far as she is a future star. Not only that, but a player of the year candidate in her class, and a shoe-in for WNBAs first round when it comes time. She is also a proven international performer, following up an MVP showing with the U.S. U16 and U17 national teams by leading her DuPont high school to titles at the prestigious FIBA Americas U16 and FIBA U17 World Championships.

Recognition and Hype

The excitement surrounding JuJu Watkins extends beyond her exceptional skills on the court. Her remarkable talent has garnered attention from basketball icons, including LeBron James, who described her as "the next greatest thing in women's basketball". Such high praise from influential figures in the basketball world reflects the anticipation and hype surrounding her potential in the WNBA.

Analyzing Watkins' Potential

JuJu Watkins play as a freshman at USC as well as being the stats leader for the team as a freshman is remarkable. She is a versatile prospect with a high-end skill set who has size and scoring, rebounding, and playmaking skills that will help her translate to the next level. Cheryl Miller remarked on how she never loses her composure, and that talent may see her stick around the WNBA for a while.

In the End

To sum it all up, JuJu Watkins went from high-school phenom to freshman stud at USC, to the likely next face of the WNBA. Given her world-class proficiency, an unprecedented record, and blessings from basketball legends, Juju already stands as one of the top prospects for the professional league. The basketball world is in a state of anticipation as we follow JuJu Watkins in a bright and promising future at the WNBA level, further showcasing the euphoria of seeing a young star destined to make her mark on women's basketball.