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USC’s JuJu Watkins awarded Women’s Naismith National Player of the Year honor

Posted on by Sharkteelix
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03
Apr
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JuJu Watkins of USC Named 2025 Women’s Naismith National Player of the Year – A Historic Achievement in Women’s Basketball

USC’s standout guard, JuJu Watkins, has been crowned the 2025 Women’s Naismith National Player of the Year, a prestigious honor that recognizes the top player in women’s college basketball. On Wednesday, this talented sophomore was officially recognized for her exceptional performance throughout the season, cementing her status as one of the brightest stars in the game.

A Record-Breaking Season for JuJu Watkins

Watkins’ remarkable season was highlighted by her outstanding individual stats, including an average of 23.9 points per game (ranking fourth nationally), 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. She showcased an impressive shooting percentage from beyond the arc, hitting 33% of her 3-pointers, and consistently led her team to victory. Thanks to her stellar contributions, USC finished the season with an outstanding 31-4 record and an 17-1 conference record, dominating the competition and securing a top position in the NCAA rankings.

Injury Sets Back USC’s NCAA Run, But Watkins’ Legacy Shines

Though USC entered the NCAA tournament as the No. 1 seed in the Spokane 4 region, Watkins faced an unfortunate setback when she tore her ACL in her right knee during a second-round matchup against Mississippi State. Despite this devastating injury, the Trojans pushed forward, eventually falling to UConn in the regional final. The loss in the tournament was tough, but it did little to diminish Watkins’ remarkable achievements during the season.

JuJu Watkins: USC’s First Naismith Award Winner Since Lisa Leslie

Watkins joins an elite group of players in USC history, becoming the first player from the school to win the Naismith Award since legendary player Lisa Leslie claimed the honor back in 1994. Leslie, one of the most iconic figures in women’s basketball, went on to have an extraordinary professional career, winning two WNBA championships, three MVP awards, and four Olympic gold medals. Watkins’ recognition is a significant milestone for USC women’s basketball, reinforcing the program’s rich history.

In a heartfelt acceptance video, Watkins expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’m at a loss for words right now. What an incredible honor. I want to sincerely thank Naismith for this amazing recognition. This is truly special, and I feel so blessed to be selected among some of the best in the game. I want to thank my teammates, coaches, and the staff at SC for making this all possible. 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.”

JuJu Watkins’ Journey to the Naismith Award

Standing at 6-foot-2, JuJu Watkins has made an indelible mark on women’s basketball from the moment she stepped onto the court for USC. Ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the 2023 recruiting class, she came to USC as a highly anticipated player from Sierra Canyon High School in Los Angeles, where she was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year. As a freshman at USC, Watkins quickly proved her prowess, averaging 27.1 points per game and earning a spot as a unanimous first-team All-American. Her performance included a program-record 51 points in an upset victory over then-No. 4 Stanford, solidifying her place as one of the best players in college basketball.

Naismith Award Finalists and the Road to Victory

JuJu Watkins was selected for the 2025 Naismith Award over a competitive pool of finalists, including Paige Bueckers from UConn (a past winner of the award), Hannah Hidalgo from Notre Dame, and Lauren Betts from rival UCLA. Watkins’ ability to outshine these formidable players speaks to her incredible talent and determination throughout the season.

In addition to the Naismith Award, Watkins has amassed numerous accolades this year, including being named the Big Ten Player of the Year, the USBWA National Player of the Year, and earning a spot as a unanimous first-team All-American for the second year in a row. These honors further cement her place as one of the best players in the history of women’s college basketball.

UCLA’s Cori Close Named Naismith National Coach of the Year

The Big Ten’s Los Angeles-based schools continued their dominance in women’s college basketball with Cori Close of UCLA winning the Naismith National Coach of the Year award. Under Close’s leadership, UCLA has had a historic season, posting a 34-2 record and a 16-2 mark in the Big Ten conference. In their first year in the Big Ten, the Bruins won the Big Ten tournament championship and have made a historic run to their first-ever Women’s Final Four, now vying for their first national championship.

Close has compiled an impressive 321-142 record at UCLA, with eight seasons of 25 or more wins and nine NCAA tournament appearances. Over the past three seasons, UCLA has posted an 88-19 record, making them one of the most successful programs in women’s basketball.

Lauren Betts Wins Naismith Defensive Player of the Year

In another notable achievement for UCLA, Lauren Betts was named the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, thanks to her outstanding performance this season. Betts led the Big Ten in blocks, averaging three blocks per game, in addition to contributing 20 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. Her defensive prowess played a crucial role in UCLA’s success throughout the season.

The Future of Women’s College Basketball

With JuJu Watkins earning the prestigious Naismith Award, and Cori Close and Lauren Betts taking home additional honors, it’s clear that women’s college basketball continues to rise in prominence. The talent, dedication, and achievements of these athletes highlight the bright future of the sport and inspire future generations to push the boundaries of excellence. As Watkins herself said, this is “just the beginning,” and basketball fans worldwide can look forward to even greater things ahead for this incredible player.

For fans of women’s basketball, these athletes are setting new standards of excellence and making history. Stay tuned as JuJu Watkins, Cori Close, and Lauren Betts continue to shine on the court and represent the future of the sport.

Sharkteelix

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