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When is JuJu Watkins Entering the WNBA Draft?
Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

The 2025 WNBA draft took place Monday night at The Shed in New York City. It was a special moment for many of college basketball's brightest stars.

But one notable name missing was USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins. Watkins swept all the major Player of the Year awards in 2025 despite suffering a heartbreaking, season-ending ACL tear in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Watkins recently finished her sophomore season at USC and isn’t eligible for the WNBA draft until 2027, following her senior year. Under league rules, U.S.-based players must either graduate from a four-year university within three months of the draft or be at least 22 years old.

The 6-foot-2 Los Angeles native has already drawn comparisons to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark as the next big thing. Before Watkins went on to win all these awards this season, one WNBA talent evaluator said she is the "one you're waiting for."

"You could be looking at a multiple MVP winner," one WNBA talent evaluator told ESPN. "She's going to carry a franchise. Besides Caitlin, she's definitely the next most exciting prospect. ... That's the one you're waiting for."

This past season, she averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.

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

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