Caitlin Clark isn’t the only player in the 2024 NCAA Tournament that’s making loud noises. There is also freshman star JuJu Watkins of the USC Trojans, who have simply been outstanding in the 2023-24 college basketball season.
Watkins has been turning more heads each time she steps on the floor, and after going off with a fantastic performance in the Trojans’ 73-55 win over the No. 8 Kansas Jayhawks, the first-year star garnered even more fans.
There are not a few people out there who think that Watkins will end up having a more memorable basketball career than her contemporaries.
In Richard Deitsch’s (The Athletic) humble opinion, JuJu Watkins will have a better career than the likes of Clark, Paige Bueckers, Kamilla Cardoso, and others.
Just one women’s hoops watcher’s opinion.
If you asked me who I would take first in a women’s college basketball draft, I’d take JuJu Watkins No. 1 overall. Above Caitlin, Paige, Kamilla, Rickea, Angel — and they are all great. I think she will be the best of all of them.
To each his own, but Watkins certainly has a case.
After her 28-point outburst in the Kansas game, Watkins is now averaging 26.9 points per outing, while also collecting 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.4 steals per outing.
JuJu Watkins, USC Trojans to Play No. 5 Baylor Bears in Sweet 16 Round
Mar 25, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; USC guard JuJu Watkins (12) and McKenzie Forbes (25) celebrate beating the Kansas Jayhawks during a NCAA Women’s Tournament 2nd round game at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The No. 1 Trojans will look to lean on Watkins anew this coming Saturday when they share the court with the Baylor Bears, who just eked out a thrilling 75-72 win in the second round against the No. 4 Virginia Tech Hokies.
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