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JuJu Watkins Receives Huge News on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan Harris | Last updated Apr 2, 2025 5:16 PM ET

JuJu Watkins, women's college basketball's biggest star, had an unbelievable season in her second year with the USC Trojans, finishing with an incredible 28-3 record and earning them a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

However, in the second round of the tournament against Mississippi State, Watkins had an unfortunate injury that led to a torn ACL, ending her season early.

The Trojans would go on to beat Kansas State in the Sweet 16, matching them up against Paige Bueckers and the No. 2 UConn Huskies, where the Trojans season ended.

JuJu Watkins was named the 2025 Naismith Player of the Year, the most prestigious individual honor in women's hoops.

The past two years, Caitlin Clark dominated women's college basketball, securing the award in both years. Now, JuJu Watkins takes home her first of what could be multiple Naismith Player of the Year awards in her college career.

Prior to the devastating injury, Watkins was incredible, averaging 23.9 points per game off 42.6% from the field, as well as 6.8 rebounds per game. A truly remarkable season, and a healthy recovery in the offseason should bode well for her to bounce back even better next year.

Fans around the country sending her love and support, and now immense congratulations as she takes home the Naismith Player of the Year Award.

Watkins also has won the Big Ten Player of the Year award, as well as being unanimously named first-team All-American.

She has had a remarkable season, earning some of the highest honors in college basketball. A massive congratulations to her for these incredible accomplishments!

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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