The Rise of JuJu Watkins

Caitlin Clark, a standout player from Iowa, has made an indelible mark in college basketball with her impressive records. However, a new contender is emerging: JuJu Watkins, a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Southern California (USC). Watkins is poised to break several of Clark’s career records, setting the stage for an exciting rivalry in college sports.

A Historic Start

Watkins has made a remarkable entrance into collegiate basketball, outpacing Clark’s achievements during her early years. Currently, she has scored 1,142 points in just 38 career games, while Clark reached this milestone in 40 games. This scoring prowess not only highlights Watkins’ talent but also puts her on track to challenge Clark’s status as the highest scorer in college basketball history, which encompasses both men’s and women’s records.

Milestones Achieved Early

In mid-November, Watkins surpassed the 1,000-point mark two games earlier than Clark did during her freshman year. Since then, she has maintained a consistent scoring pace, further solidifying her place as a formidable player in the NCAA.

Field Goals and Shooting Accuracy

With a total of 376 field goals, Watkins is also on track to surpass Clark’s numbers in this category. During her freshman year alone, she achieved an astonishing 301 field goals, compared to Clark’s 266. This season, Watkins is leading the NCAA with a .476 field goal percentage, potentially surpassing Clark’s best single-season shooting percentage. It’s important to note, however, that Watkins is still early in her season, having played only eight games.

Different Scoring Styles

While both players are exceptional, their scoring approaches differ significantly. Clark is renowned for her three-point shooting, holding the NCAA’s all-time record in that category, while Watkins excels in scoring from within the arc, showcasing her ability to finish strong in the paint. During her freshman year, Watkins scored the majority of her points through a nation-leading 553 two-point shots, far exceeding Clark’s best of 359 two-point shots in a single season.

Foul Line Dominance

Watkins’ aggressive playing style has also led her to the free-throw line frequently, where she currently leads the nation with 45 free throws this season. Last year, she topped the charts with an impressive 241 free throws as a freshman. In contrast, Clark’s best free-throw season saw her achieve 239, but that was during her junior year.

Defensive Prowess

Another area where Watkins significantly outpaces Clark is in steals. She currently leads the country with 22 steals through just eight games, building on her total of 78 steals from her freshman year. Clark’s best season for steals was 68, which she achieved in her historic senior year.

The Assist Gap

However, Watkins may struggle to match Clark’s assist numbers. Clark led the nation in assists every year of her college career, beginning with 214 assists as a freshman. Watkins, while talented, recorded 112 assists during her freshman year, indicating a noticeable difference in their playmaking abilities.

Background and Inspirations

Unlike Clark, who hails from suburban Iowa, Watkins grew up in Los Angeles. She cites Lakers superstar LeBron James as her biggest sports hero, having been inspired by his arrival in Los Angeles shortly before her 13th birthday. Watkins has also represented the United States in international competitions, winning gold medals at the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup and the 2021 FIBA Americas U16 Championship.

Future Outlook

JuJu Watkins won’t be eligible for the WNBA Draft until 2027, which means her first season against Clark in a professional setting will likely occur when Clark is in her fourth year. The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles may present another exciting chapter, as both players could potentially be teammates on the U.S. women’s basketball team, creating a narrative that fans will eagerly follow.

As both athletes continue to carve their paths in college basketball, the future holds immense potential for rivalry and collaboration, making it an exciting time for fans of the sport.