USC star guard Juju Watkins has cemented her place in college basketball history by being named the Naismith Player of the Year, becoming the first Trojan to earn the honor since Lisa Leslie in 1994. The Los Angeles native outshined a competitive field that included UConn’s Paige Bueckers (a previous winner as a freshman), Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, and UCLA’s Lauren Betts.
Taking to Instagram to express her gratitude, Watkins was visibly emotional as she accepted the prestigious honor.
“I’m at a loss for words right now. What an incredible honor,” Watkins shared in her acceptance video. “I want to sincerely thank Naismith for this amazing recognition. This is truly special, and I feel so blessed to be selected amongst some of the best in the game.”
Acknowledgments and Appreciation
Watkins also took time to appreciate her teammates, coaches, and support system for their role in her success.
“I want to thank my teammates, coaches, and the staff at SC for making this all possible. To my family, friends, the fans, your love and support means the world to me. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead.”
An Impressive Sophomore Season
Watkins delivered a remarkable sophomore season, averaging 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Under her leadership, the Trojans achieved a 31-4 record and a 17-1 conference mark, earning the No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament Spokane 4 region.
However, her season was cut short after tearing her ACL in her right knee during a second-round matchup with Mississippi State. Despite her injury, USC fought valiantly but ultimately fell to UConn in the regional final.
Other Notable Honors
In addition to the Naismith Award, Watkins collected several other prestigious accolades:
- Big Ten Player of the Year
- USBWA National Player of the Year
- Unanimous First-Team All-American
Despite her injury, Watkins remains optimistic about her future. Her dedication and resilience have inspired countless fans, and she appears determined to make a successful comeback.
With such a historic season behind her, the sky’s the limit for Juju Watkins as she continues her journey in college basketball and beyond.
