JuJu Watkins is a 19-year-old American basketball player currently playing as a guard for the USC Trojans in the Big Ten Conference. Born on July 15, 2005, in Los Angeles, California, she attended both Windward School and Sierra Canyon School during her high school years.
Recognized as the top recruit in her class by ESPN, Watkins earned national high school player of the year honors in her senior year at Sierra Canyon.
In her freshman season at USC (2023–2024), Watkins made an immediate impact. She set a USC record with a 32-point debut against Ohio State and achieved multiple 30-point games, including a career-high 51 points against Stanford. She led USC to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament and received several accolades, such as the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award and unanimous first-team All-American honors.
As a sophomore (2024–2025), Watkins continued her stellar performance, averaging 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. She was named Big Ten Player of the Year and secured spots on the first-team All-Big Ten and All-Defensive Team. Her exceptional skills have drawn comparisons to top players like Caitlin Clark, with NBA coach George Karl suggesting she possesses the talent to compete at the NBA level.
In the 2025 NCAA tournament, Watkins led USC to the Final Four. However, during the game against Mississippi State, she suffered an injury and had to be carried off the court.
Off the court, Watkins has garnered attention from prominent figures, including LeBron James, and signed a multiyear contract with Nike. Her dynamic play and marketability position her as a rising star in women’s basketball.