JuJu Watkins: The Rising Star Who’s Taking Over Basketball and Beyond
JuJu Watkins: The Rising Star Who’s Taking Over Basketball and Beyond
Hey there, hoops fans! If you haven’t been keeping up with JuJu Watkins lately, let me catch you up—because this 19-year-old USC superstar is on fire, both on and off the court. As of March 2, 2025, JuJu’s sophomore season with the Trojans is shaping up to be one for the history books, and her influence is spilling way beyond the hardwood. Let’s dive into what’s new with the one and only Judea "JuJu" Skies Watkins.
On the Court: A Scoring Machine with Heart
JuJu’s been lighting it up this season, and the stats don’t lie. She’s averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.1 steals, and 2.0 blocks through 27 games—numbers that scream “future WNBA MVP.” Just last week, she dropped 22 points against No. 25 Illinois, going a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line, while adding four blocks to remind everyone she’s a defensive force too. That win kept USC at 25-2 and atop the Big Ten standings, and JuJu’s leadership was front and center.
Her latest accolade? She snagged her sixth Big Ten Women’s Basketball Player of the Week award this season, announced on February 25th. That’s no surprise when you see her putting up stat lines like 38 points, 11 rebounds, 8 blocks, and 5 assists in a single game earlier this month—oh, and she hit 6 of 9 from deep that night. Good Lord, indeed! It’s not just the numbers; it’s the way she plays—fearless, smooth, and with a bag of tricks that leaves defenders dizzy. That euro step against Illinois? Dazzling. Pure art.
But here’s what I love most about JuJu: she’s not just a scorer. After that Illinois win on Senior Day, she told FS1 it was a “high emotion” moment, reflecting on how the team’s been “knocking down each obstacle at a time.” That’s maturity beyond her years—leadership that’s got USC eyeing a deep NCAA tournament run.
Off the Court: Skies’ the Limit with NIL Deals
Speaking of knocking down obstacles, JuJu’s off-court game is just as strong. This past Wednesday, she dropped some major news: a new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with United Airlines. Yep, the $32 billion airline tapped her for a partnership that’s as clever as it is epic—check out the ad with “JuJu Skies Watkins” plastered above her in a USC jersey under a massive plane. Her middle name, Skies, makes this collab feel destined, right? Fans on X are buzzing about it, with one calling her “a money-making machine off the court.”
This adds to an already stacked NIL portfolio—Nike (one of the richest shoe deals in women’s hoops history), Gatorade, State Farm, AT&T, Taco Bell, NYX Cosmetics, Beats by Dre, and more. At 19, she’s not just building a brand; she’s rewriting the playbook for what young athletes can achieve. And let’s not forget her roots—she’s carrying on her family’s legacy of philanthropy in L.A., with ties going back to the 1920s. That blend of stardom and substance? That’s JuJu.
The Buzz: Player of the Year Contender
The Wooden Award chatter is heating up, and JuJu’s name is at the top of the list. After her monster performance against UCLA earlier this month, she’s the betting favorite to take home the hardware as the best player in women’s college basketball. Sure, Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo and UConn’s Paige Bueckers are in the mix, but JuJu’s carrying a heavier load for USC—and shining brighter because of it. Fans on X are split, with some arguing Hidalgo’s got the edge, but JuJu’s consistency and clutch moments (like that 27-point fight against Iowa despite the loss) make a strong case.
Oh, and speaking of Iowa—did you catch how Caitlin Clark helped the Hawkeyes prep for JuJu? Clark practiced with them before their February 2nd upset win over USC, hitting tough shots to mimic JuJu’s style. Iowa’s Lucy Olsen said it prepped them perfectly: “It wasn’t like, ‘Oh my God, how did JuJu just hit that?’ We saw it yesterday.” Even in defeat, JuJu’s presence forces teams to bring their A-game.
What’s Next?
With the regular season winding down, all eyes are on USC’s finale against No. 3 UCLA today, March 2nd. It’s a battle of top-five teams, and JuJu’s bound to be the X-factor. Win or lose, she’s already a semifinalist for the Sullivan Award—honoring athletic excellence, character, and leadership—so go vote for her if you’re a Trojan fan!
Personally, I think JuJu’s just getting started. She’s redefining women’s basketball with every step-back jumper and every heartfelt post-game quote. At 6-foot-2 with a game this polished and a personality this magnetic, the WNBA’s already on notice—and I can’t wait to see where “JuJu Skies” takes us next. What do you think—Player of the Year locked up, or still a race? Drop your thoughts below!
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