JuJu Watkins Named Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year

Following a sensational sophomore season, UCS star guard Juju Watkins has been named Naismith Player of the Year. She is USC’s first Naismith Award winner since Lisa Leslie in 1994.

The Los Angeles native was selected for the Naismith Award over UConn’s Paige Bueckers (who won the award as a freshman), Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, and Lauren Betts of UCLA.

Taking to Instagram, Watkins expressed her gratitude for the prestigious honor.

“I’m at a loss for words right now. What an incredible honor,” Watkins said in her acceptance video. “I want to sincerely thank Naismith for this amazing recognition. This is truly special, and I feel so blessed to be selected amongst some of the best in the game.

She also thanked her teammates and coaches for helping in her historic season.

“I want to thank my teammates, coaches, and the staff at SC for making this all possible, she added. “To my family, friends, the fans, your love and support means the world to me. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead.”

Following a standout freshman campaign, Watkins averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. She led the Trojans to a 31-4 record and 17-1 conference mark.

USC was the No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament Spokane 4 region and were favorites to win the championship until Watkins’s season ended after tearing her ACL in her right knee in a second-round matchup with Mississippi State. The Trojans lost to UConn in the regional final.

Along with the Naismith Award Watkins was also named the Big Ten Player of the Year, USBWA National Player of the Year, and was named a unanimous first-team All-American again.