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JuJu Watkins has been named The Associated Press women’s college basketball Player of the Year.
Despite taking more than four fewer shots per game this season, Watkins averaged 23.9 PPG and increased her shooting percentages from the field and from beyond the arc. Watkins led the Trojans to the Big Ten regular-season title — the program’s first conference title in 31 years — and a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament. A First-Team All-American, Watkins received 29-of-31 first-place votes to claim Player of the Year.
“I think what’s so significant about this award is that this was a year that didn’t have an absence of talent and stars, and JuJu found a way to elevate herself and her team,” USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb said.
The sensational guard topped 30 points on seven occasions, including twice against No. 1 UCLA. To hand UCLA its first loss of the season, Watkins poured in 38 points and added 11 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Watkins is the fourth sophomore to win the award — joining Oklahoma’s Courtney Paris (2007), and UConn stars Maya Moore (2009) and Breanna Stewart (2014).
She makes a lot of things that aren’t easy look easy,” Gottlieb said. “It’s one thing to say she’s a generational talent, but another to actually do it and put yourself up with names like Stewie, Maya and Courtney Paris.”
Following a loss to UCLA in the Big Ten Championship Game, USC entered the tournament as a 1-seed (No. 4 overall). Watkins finished with 22/8/2 in 28 minutes in a 71-25 demolition of UNCG. Unfortunately, Watkins’ season would come to an end five minutes into USC’s Round of 32 matchup.
Facing 9-seed Mississippi State, Watkins crumpled to the ground while attacking the basket. The injury was deemed to be a torn ACL. The Trojans put forth a spectacular effort in the aftermath of Watkins’ injury — pummeling the Bulldogs 96-59. Southern Cal put together another good effort in a Sweet 16 victory over Kansas State before setting up a showdown with No. 2 UConn.
While the nation was robbed of a matchup between Watkins and UConn superstar Paige Bueckers, the Trojans challenged the favored Huskies through three quarters. However, UConn’s stars eventually turned a 51-46 lead into a 78-64 final score. Watkins is facing a lengthy recovery, but there is no doubt that she will come back and play at a high level.
“She decided to stay home and cares about her city and has the magnetism to attract people. It’s the way she carries herself. She’s confident, but very humble and true to her community. It’s amazing to see her impact,” Gottlieb said.
