JuJu Watkins: The Rise of a Basketball Prodigy
Judea Skies "JuJu" Watkins, born on July 15, 2005, has rapidly ascended to become one of the most celebrated figures in American college basketball. Currently playing for the USC Trojans of the Big Ten Conference, Watkins' journey from a park league prodigy to a national phenomenon is a testament to her exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and strong support system.
Early Life and High School Career
Watkins began her basketball journey at the young age of seven, playing in a park league. Her talent quickly became apparent, and she sought guidance from former NBA assistant coach Phil Handy to refine her skills, modeling her game after Arike Ogunbowale. Her high school career began at Windward School in Los Angeles, where as a freshman, she averaged 21 points and nine rebounds per game, leading her team to the CIF Southern Section Open Division title game and the regional final.
Before her junior year, Watkins transferred to Sierra Canyon School, also in Los Angeles, further solidifying her reputation as a rising star. During her junior year, she led her team to an Open Division state title, boasting a 30-2 record. Her outstanding performance, averaging 25 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, earned her the title of California Gatorade Player of the Year and Ms. Basketball. She was also recognized as player of the year by the Los Angeles Times and Los Angeles Daily News.
As a senior, Watkins continued to dominate, averaging 27.3 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. She led Sierra Canyon to the CIF Southern Section Open Division title, achieving a 31-1 record and reaching the regional final. A memorable senior night saw her score a career-high 60 points, the second-most in area history, in an 88-39 victory over Notre Dame High School. Her senior year accolades included Gatorade National Player of the Year and Naismith Prep Player of the Year, along with repeat player of the year honors from the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Daily News, California Gatorade Player of the Year, and Ms. Basketball.
College Career at USC
Freshman Season (2023-2024)
Watkins was highly regarded as a five-star recruit and the number one player in the 2023 class, according to ESPN. She made an immediate impact in her college debut on November 6, 2023, scoring 32 points in an 83-74 upset win over AP No. 7 Ohio State. This performance set a USC record for points in a freshman debut, surpassing Lisa Leslie's mark from 1990.
Read also: JuJu Watkins: A basketball prodigy
On November 22, she recorded her first double-double with 31 points and 12 rebounds in a 71-70 win over Penn State. This game initiated a streak of three consecutive 30-point games, tying Cheryl Miller for the longest such streak in program history. On January 14, 2024, Watkins scored 32 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a 73-65 victory over AP No. 2 UCLA.
A defining moment of her freshman season came on February 2, when she scored a career-high 51 points and secured 11 rebounds in a 67-58 win over AP No. 4 Stanford. This performance broke the USC single-game scoring record held by Cherie Nelson since 1989 and marked the first 50-point game by an NCAA Division I freshman since Elena Delle Donne in 2010. On February 23, Watkins scored 42 points in an 87-81 victory over AP No. 11 Colorado, setting a single-game scoring record for the Galen Center, USC's home arena, and achieving her 11th 30-point game, surpassing Cheryl Miller for the most in a season by a USC player.
In the semifinals of the 2024 Pac-12 tournament, Watkins scored 33 points and had 10 rebounds in an 80-70 double-overtime win over UCLA, setting a tournament single-game scoring record for a freshman. Although her scoring was limited to nine points in the final, her team defeated Stanford, 67-58, to win its first Pac-12 tournament title since 2014. She led USC to the Elite Eight of the 2024 NCAA tournament, where she scored 29 points and had 10 rebounds in an 80-73 loss to UConn.
At the end of her stellar freshman year, Watkins was named a unanimous first-team All-American and won the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award. She also received national freshman of the year recognition and set the NCAA Division I freshman scoring record.
Sophomore Season (2024-2025)
Entering her sophomore season, Watkins was named an AP preseason All-American and the Big Ten preseason player of the year. In her season debut on November 4, 2024, she posted 27 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks in a 68-66 win over AP No. 20 Ole Miss.
Read also: NCAA Women's Basketball star
On November 15, Watkins became the fastest USC player to reach 1,000 career points (38 games) and tied for the fourth-fewest games in Division I history to reach the mark, as part of a 22-point effort against Santa Clara. On December 3, she scored a season-high 40 points and shot 9-of-11 from three-point range in a 94-52 victory over California Baptist, breaking the program single-game record in three-pointers. On December 21, Watkins led USC to a 72-70 win against AP No. 4 UConn, contributing 25 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
On January 12, 2025, she posted 35 points on 13-of-15 shooting, 11 rebounds, and five steals in a 95-73 win over Penn State. Watkins led USC to a 71-60 victory over undefeated, AP No. 1 UCLA on February 13, recording 38 points, 11 rebounds, eight blocks, and five assists. She became the first Division I player in 20 seasons with at least 35 points, five blocks, and five assists in a game. On March 1, Watkins scored 30 points in a rematch with AP No. 2 UCLA at Pauley Pavilion.
Watkins' exceptional performance throughout the 2024-2025 season earned her numerous accolades. She was named Women's National Player of the Year by the USBWA and Naismith College Player of the Year. Watkins also won the John R. Wooden Award.
Injury and Future
Unfortunately, Watkins' season was cut short due to a season-ending knee injury sustained in March 2025, requiring surgery. This injury also sidelined her for the upcoming season as she continues her rehabilitation.
International Career
Watkins has also made her mark on the international stage, winning a gold medal with the United States at the 2021 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship in Mexico.
Read also: Discover the story of JuJu Watkins
NIL Deals and Endorsements
Watkins' rising stardom has translated into significant opportunities in the realm of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. She has secured partnerships with major brands, including Nike, Klutch Sports, Gatorade and State Farm. Watkins also became an investor in Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league, signaling her interest in future participation. Her NIL success has been recognized with awards, solidifying her status as a top NIL athlete. She also has a deal with NerdWallet.
Personal Life and Inspiration
JuJu Watkins is the daughter of Robert Neal-Watkins and Sari Watkins. She has three siblings: Mali, Dami, and Mar. Watkins emphasizes the importance of her family, listing them as a primary source of motivation in her basketball career and life. She also emphasizes the importance of community.
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