JuJu Watkins wins another Freshman of the Year award

JuJu Watkins’ remarkable freshman season at USC has been nothing short of extraordinary, with her trophy case expanding with each passing day. capping off her phenomenal regular season, Watkins recently added another prestigious honor to her collection: the USBWA National Freshman of the Year Trophy.

This recognition, received on Thursday, April 18th, further solidifies her status as one of the most promising talents in collegiate basketball.

USC Women's Basketball: JuJu Watkins Earns Another Freshman Of The Year Honor - Sports Illustrated USC Trojans News, Analysis and More

The USC Women’s Basketball page, alongside the USC Athletics team, sent out a post on Instagram highlighting the occasion.

The award became the latest in a long line of accomplishments that JuJu Watkins has collected since taking NCAA women’s basketball by storm.

The trophy case for JuJu Watkins

A five-star recruit coming out of high school, JuJu Watkins chose USC over other offers and began her outstanding collegiate year with a bank. Her 32 points in her debut game were the most for a USC freshman.

USC's JuJu Watkins Named USA Today Girls Basketball Player of the Year - USC Athletics

JuJu Watkins’ freshman season was nothing short of extraordinary, highlighted by her unforgettable 51-point performance against Stanford, a historic feat that etched her name into USC’s record books and marked the first 50-point game by an NCAA freshman in over a decade.

She continued to rewrite the record books throughout the season, surpassing the previous USC freshman scoring record and eventually breaking the NCAA Division I record with an impressive 920 points, leaving second place far behind.

With averages of 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game, Watkins showcased her versatility and dominance on both ends of the court, earning recognition as a formidable scorer and an impactful defender.

By the end of the season, her trophy case boasted an array of conference and national honors, solidifying her status as one of the most decorated freshmen in collegiate basketball.

JuJu Watkins before USC

JuJu Watkins has national championship ambitions for USC basketball - Just Women's Sports

JuJu Watkins’ journey to basketball stardom began under the tutelage of esteemed assistant coach Phil Handy, currently with the Los Angeles Lakers, during her time at Windward School in LA.

Her high school career was nothing short of spectacular. As a freshman, she played a pivotal role in leading her team to the CIF Southern Section Open Division Title, setting the stage for her future success. Each year, Watkins continued to elevate her game, demonstrating remarkable improvement and consistency.

Upon transferring to Sierra Canyon in her junior year, Watkins further solidified her status as a standout player, contributing significantly to her team’s triumph in the Open Division State Title. Her impressive stats and accolades earned her recognition as the LA Times Player of the Year.

In her senior year, Watkins reached new heights, posting incredible numbers and leaving an indelible mark on the court. Her standout performances earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Gatorade National Player of the Year award and MVP honors at the McDonald’s All-American Game.

Watkins also showcased her talent on the international stage, representing Team USA in the 2021 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship, where she played a pivotal role in securing a gold medal. Her defensive prowess, highlighted by an impressive 5.2 steals per game, earned her tournament MVP honors.

Undoubtedly, Watkins’ impact extended beyond the high school level, as she continued to excel on the international scene, leading Team USA to another gold medal in the 2022 FIBA Under-17 World Cup in Hungary. Once again, she was recognized as the tournament MVP, further solidifying her status as a rising star in basketball.