JuJu Watkins was named the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Player of the Year. The Trojans star completed her second stellar season, averaging 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists as she helped lead USC to a 31-4 overall record and 16-1 within the Big 10 on the path to a no.1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
When the Trojans stepped up against tougher competition, Watkins was even better, averaging 26.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks against AP top ten opponents.
Watkins became the first player, be it Division I, WNBA, or NBA since 2000 to record a game of 38 points, 11 rebounds, 8 blocks, and 5 assists, when she lit UCLA during a 71-60 win over the Bruins on February 13, 2025.
The Naismith is the latest hardware the sophomore sensation has picked up. She was also named Big Ten Player of the Year and the Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Year. Watkins is also a finalist for the Wade Trophy, the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, and the Wooden Award.
Watkins is the third USC player to win the Naismith joining greats Lisa Leslie and Cheryl Miller, who also claimed the award.
