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 stands 6 feet 2 inches tall. Watkins attended both Windward School and Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles, where she earned national high school player of the year honors as a senior.
In her freshman season at USC (2023–2024), Watkins averaged 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, setting the NCAA Division I freshman scoring record. She received multiple accolades, including unanimous first-team All-American honors and the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award.
As a sophomore (2024–2025), she continues to excel, averaging 24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game with a field goal percentage of 42.6%.
In the 2025 NCAA tournament, Watkins led USC to a decisive 71-25 victory over UNC Greensboro in the first round, scoring 22 points. Her exceptional performance has drawn comparisons to WNBA star Caitlin Clark, with former NFL quarterback Cam Newton referring to Watkins as a “bigger baller.”
Off the court, Watkins has secured significant endorsements, including multi-year deals with Nike and partnerships with brands like AT&T, Celsius, and Gatorade.
As USC advances in the tournament, all eyes are on Watkins as she continues to make a significant impact on women’s college basketball.