USC Trojans sophomore guard Juju Watkins is further building an impressive track record. She has been named Big Ten Player of the Year and has received unanimous All-Big Ten First Team and All-Defensive Team honors. Watkins makes history as the first Trojans player to win the conference’s Player of the Year award since Cherie Nelson in 1988.
Recognized as the top overall recruit from Sierra Canyon (Calif.) in the 2023 class, Watkins has exceeded expectations. During her freshman year, she was awarded Freshman of the Year and unanimous first-team All-American accolades, in addition to winning the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, which is given annually to the best shooting guard in women’s basketball.
Watkins returned this season with the goal of propelling USC’s women’s basketball program to new heights not seen in decades, and she achieved this in spectacular fashion.
As a former five-star recruit, she delivered several stunning performances during her sophomore year. Early in the season against Cal Baptist, Watkins scored 40 points, shooting an impressive 12 of 18 from the field and setting a school record with nine 3-pointers. In a January matchup against Penn State, she showcased her skills by scoring 35 points on 13 of 15 shooting, including a perfect eight for eight in the first half. Additionally, she contributed with 11 rebounds, five steals, and three blocks.
True to the style of great players, Watkins excelled in the most critical moments. In one of the two significant games against cross-town rival UCLA in mid-February, she delivered an unforgettable performance.
The Trojans’ star guard concluded the game with impressive stats: 38 points, 11 rebounds, eight blocks, five assists, and one steal. She became the first player, male or female, in the last 20 years to achieve a game with over 35 points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ assists, 5+ blocks, and 5+ three-pointers.
USC handed the then-No. 1 ranked UCLA their first defeat of the season, allowing the Trojans to take the lead in the Big Ten standings. The two teams faced each other again this past weekend in a crucial matchup for the Big Ten regular season title, where Watkins delivered another standout performance, scoring 30 points to lead her team to victory over the Bruins.
With this win, the Trojans secured their first-ever Big Ten regular season title and their first since winning in the Pac-12 in 1994. USC now sits at No. 2 in the latest AP rankings, marking the program’s highest position since 1984.
Watkins was named conference player of the week seven times, led the conference in scoring with an average of 24.4 points per game, and made the most free throws (185), while also ranking in the top five for both blocks and steals. The Los Angeles native was a standout even before arriving on campus and has established her own legacy in the Cardinal and Gold.
“Her talent is unmistakable to anyone watching on TV—her explosiveness, body control, and overall game are impressive,” said USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb to The Athletic. “What truly sets her apart is her impact on winning and her ability to excel in any moment, regardless of how significant it is.”
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