With excitement and anticipation buzzing around the world of women’s college basketball, JuJu Watkins has once again stolen the spotlight. On March 9, 2025, the No. 2 USC Trojans faced off against their rivals, the No. 4 UCLA Bruins, for the Big Ten Championship—a thrilling rematch, marking their third contest within just over a month. The stakes were high, and the talent abundant, particularly with Watkins leading the charge.
Watkins, widely considered one of the best players in the nation, already made headlines earlier this season. Notably, during halftime, she had racked up 18 points, showcasing her prowess and helping USC secure a ten-point lead over UCLA. This performance contributed to another significant milestone: she passed Iowa Hawkeyes legend Caitlin Clark on the NCAA's all-time scoring list for women’s players, achieving second place through their first two collegiate seasons. "She pushes me to be great. She understands my vision and the standard I hold myself to," Watkins expressed about her coach, Lindsay Gottlieb, during her feature on March Madness’s show "Next Generation".
Season statistics speak volumes about Watkins' impact: this season, she is averaging 24.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.9 blocks. She has now achieved her 26th game with 20 points or more this season alone—an incredible feat for any player at this level. Looking over her career, Watkins boasts averages of 25.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, solidifying her spot as one of the most formidable players to come through USC’s storied program.
Despite the effort from Watkins and her teammates, the championship game did not conclude as they had hoped. UCLA capitalized on the momentum shift and managed to snatch the Big Ten Tournament title away from USC, leaving the Trojans with bittersweet feelings. Yet, for Watkins and her team, it was not the end of the road, but rather the start of preparing for March Madness—often referred to as the pinnacle of college basketball excitement.
USC’s aspirations are set high, particularly with their track record this season. The Trojans have only two losses and are on track to earn a spot as a number one seed when the NCAA Tournament brackets are announced. The potential for success drives not just the team, but also Watkins’ ambitions. Both she and Coach Gottlieb are determined to leave their mark before season’s end—and there’s the possibility of not just victory, but also championship glory, lurking just within reach.
Gottlieb’s influence on Watkins' development is evident. Their strong bond has been cultivated over two fast-paced seasons together. Under Gottlieb's leadership, the Trojans won the Pac-12 championship and made it all the way to the Elite Eight just last year. The chemistry between player and coach has undoubtedly played a role not only in Watkins’ individual successes but also USC’s accomplishments as a team.
Watkins is not just winning accolades on the court; her off-court ventures have been equally impressive. Her ability to excel as both an athlete and personality has resulted in her name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal fetching over $730,000—a remarkable figure illustrating her burgeoning star power and marketability. According to industry experts, her appeal crosses generations and her performances are drawing attention far beyond sports fans.
Looking forward, as the Trojans gear up for March Madness, attention turns to how far they can push themselves. If Watkins maintains her current form throughout postseason play, there’s no telling what USC might accomplish. It’s not merely about winning games for her; Watkins is adamant about forging her path to greatness and making her contributions to the sport as enduring as possible. With each dribble, shot, and play, she’s making her case as one of the most exciting players to watch.
The impending NCAA Tournament is set to bring its fair share of drama and surprises—a hallmark of March Madness—making it all the more exhilarating for fans and players alike. For Watkins, it's not just about the numbers; it’s about what those numbers mean for legacy building and the narrative of her career. With each game, she is writing the story of not just her own future, but also the continuing success of the USC Trojans program on the national stage.