USC Trojans star guard JuJu Watkins has received two more prestigious accolades, being named the Wooden Award winner and the Dawn Staley Award winner, which honors the player who embodies the exceptional skills of the current South Carolina coach throughout her distinguished career. Earlier this week, Watkins also captured the titles of Associated Press Player of the Year, Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year, and USBWA National Player of the Year.
In a season where the USC Lady Trojans finished with a 31-4 record and 17-1 in the Big 10, claiming the regular season conference championship, Watkins averaged an impressive 23.9 points per game, along with six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and nearly two blocks per game.
Unfortunately, Watkins suffered a season-ending ACL injury during their second-round matchup against Mississippi State, which required surgery. Despite this setback, the Trojans made it to the Elite Eight before falling to the UConn Huskies.
“JuJu Watkins is not just a gifted athlete; she is a transformative player who has significantly impacted our sport early in her career. As a passionate competitor, her creativity and athleticism make her a player to watch, while her basketball IQ and continuously developing skill set pose a challenge for opponents every second she’s on the court. I am truly honored to have her name associated with this award,” said South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley
Watkins recently shared her thoughts on maintaining a strong mindset during the offseason, despite suffering a severe injury late in the season. Just three games away from a national championship, her basketball future took a significant turn. Days after that difficult moment, she found herself receiving well-deserved recognition, solidifying her legacy among the all-time greats in women’s college basketball. However, processing this whirlwind of emotions has not been easy.
“I truly believe that everything happens for a reason,” JuJu Watkins stated on ESPN’s College GameDay. “In my first week, I was in total shock. This is the first time I’ve faced such adversity. Now, I’m just preparing for what’s ahead and getting ready to focus on rehab so I can return to the court with my teammates.”
“It was an emotionally challenging week for me. . . . Watching my team and others play was tough. But seeing how they all stepped up wasn’t a surprise to me; I know their capabilities. . . . The love they showed me, and knowing I’m with them in spirit, was incredible to witness, and I’m so proud of them all,” Watkins added.
Known for her competitive spirit and high-intensity play on both sides of the court, Watkins must now channel that energy into her rehabilitation, regaining her former strength and even enhancing her skills.
Already in a positive mindset just a week after her traumatic injury demonstrates Watkins’ mental resilience. While it’s uncertain when she will return to the court, one thing is clear: she is committed to working as hard as possible to come back even stronger
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