Caitlin Clark’s College Reign Under Threat: JuJu Watkins’ Case for National Player of the Year

Over the last few seasons, Caitlin Clark of Iowa has been the undisputed face of women’s college basketball, breaking records and capturing the imagination of fans across the globe. Her high-scoring performances, flashy passing, and leadership on the court have made her a household name. However, as the 2024–2025 season progresses, a new star has emerged on the horizon, one who may soon take her place as the new darling of college basketball: JuJu Watkins.

Watkins, a sophomore at the University of Southern California (USC), has been turning heads with her electrifying play. With a skill set that rivals Clark’s and a physicality that gives her an edge, she is quickly proving why she’s the favorite for National Player of the Year. While Caitlin Clark’s reign is undeniably impressive, JuJu Watkins’ rapid ascent is a testament to her undeniable talent and her potential to dominate the college basketball scene for years to come.

The Phenomenal Rise of JuJu Watkins

JuJu Watkins, just 19 years old, has already solidified herself as one of the most dynamic players in women’s college basketball. Born in 2005, Watkins’ rise through high school was nothing short of spectacular. She was one of the most hyped recruits in recent memory, earning the title of the nation’s No. 1 recruit in 2023 after an exceptional high school career at Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, California.

Her accolades were already remarkable before stepping foot on the USC campus. She was named Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2023, averaging over 30 points per game in her senior season, leading Sierra Canyon to a California state championship. Her combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ made her a natural fit for the college game. As she joined USC, expectations were sky-high for the freshman phenom.

In her first season with the Trojans, Watkins exceeded those expectations with ease. Her scoring ability was immediate, averaging 20.8 points per game and leading USC to the NCAA Tournament. She also impressed with her ability to impact the game in other areas, contributing as a rebounder, passer, and on defense.

In 2024–2025, Watkins has taken her game to another level. She is putting up historic numbers and demonstrating a level of consistency that has many believing she could take the NPOTY award from Caitlin Clark.

The Case for JuJu Watkins as NPOTY

1. Scoring Prowess

One of the most important elements of any National Player of the Year candidate is their ability to score. Watkins’ scoring ability has been on full display this season. As of March 2025, she is averaging 28.3 points per game, which places her among the top scorers in the country. Much like Clark, she can score in a variety of ways, whether it be driving to the basket, hitting mid-range shots, or knocking down three-pointers.

But what sets Watkins apart from other scorers is her versatility. She is more than just a perimeter shooter; she uses her size and athleticism to overpower defenders inside. At 6’1″, she has the physicality to finish through contact in the paint, and her combination of speed and strength makes her a nightmare in transition. Watkins has also demonstrated a deft touch from beyond the arc, shooting over 40% from three-point range, which forces defenders to respect her outside shooting as well as her driving ability.

2. Playmaking and Basketball IQ

While scoring is often the most visible aspect of a player’s game, the best players also impact the game in ways that don’t always show up in the box score. Watkins’ basketball IQ and court vision are key reasons why she stands out. She is not just a scorer but also a playmaker, regularly dishing out assists to teammates and creating opportunities for others. In addition to her scoring average, she has been averaging over 5 assists per game, a testament to her ability to read the floor and create offense not only for herself but for others.

Her high basketball IQ is also evident in her decision-making. She plays with poise, rarely forcing shots and often choosing the best possible option. This trait is one of the things that has allowed her to thrive in high-pressure situations, as she can take over a game when necessary but is equally adept at involving teammates when the situation calls for it.

3. Defense and All-Around Impact

Another area where JuJu Watkins has been impressive is her defense. While she is known for her scoring ability, her impact on defense has been just as notable. Watkins has the size and agility to guard multiple positions, whether it’s defending the perimeter or protecting the paint. Her length and quickness allow her to disrupt passing lanes, and she’s an excellent shot-blocker for her position.

On top of that, Watkins is a tenacious rebounder. Averaging over 8 rebounds per game, she is constantly active on the boards, often getting key offensive and defensive rebounds that give USC an edge. Her ability to play both ends of the floor, dominating offensively while also shutting down opponents defensively, makes her a true two-way player.

4. Leading USC to New Heights

The success of a player often correlates with the success of their team, and Watkins’ ability to elevate USC to new heights has been remarkable. Heading into March 2025, USC has established itself as a legitimate contender in the NCAA Tournament, ranked in the top five in the nation. Their rise has coincided directly with Watkins’ breakout season.

Watkins’ leadership has been central to USC’s success. While the team has solid contributors across the board, Watkins is the undisputed star. In tight games, she has shown the ability to take control, hit clutch shots, and make key plays when her team needs it most. She has already had several game-winning shots and has been the go-to player in crunch-time situations.

This ability to perform in the clutch and lead her team to victory in high-stakes games is what separates the best players from the rest. Watkins has proven that she can handle the pressure of being the top player on her team and deliver when it counts.

5. A Legitimate Rival to Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark’s dominance in college basketball over the past few years has made her the clear favorite for National Player of the Year honors, and rightly so. Clark’s scoring ability, particularly from deep range, and her overall offensive arsenal make her a force to be reckoned with. However, the presence of JuJu Watkins has made the NPOTY race a lot more competitive this season.

What sets Watkins apart from Clark is her well-rounded game. While Clark is known for her jaw-dropping three-point shooting and her ability to score from anywhere on the floor, Watkins’ combination of scoring, playmaking, defense, and leadership puts her in a different league. Her versatility allows her to impact the game in a way that Clark, who is more focused on scoring, does not.

Additionally, Watkins’ physical presence gives her an edge in areas where Clark might struggle. Clark, despite being an excellent player, has been criticized at times for her defense, and her physicality is not as imposing as Watkins’. Watkins has the ability to dominate inside and create mismatches, something that Clark does not always do with her smaller frame.

6. Historical Impact and Future Legacy

Looking beyond this season, Watkins has the potential to reshape the landscape of women’s college basketball. While Caitlin Clark will undoubtedly go down as one of the best players in the history of the sport, Watkins is still in the early stages of what promises to be a long and illustrious career. At just 19 years old, she has already proven she is capable of leading a team to the NCAA Tournament, winning games, and dominating against the best competition.

If she continues on this trajectory, there’s little doubt that she will challenge Clark’s legacy and perhaps even surpass it. Watkins’ potential is limitless, and as she develops further over the next few years, there is no reason why she can’t cement her place as one of the greatest college basketball players of all time.

While Caitlin Clark’s reign as the face of women’s college basketball has been impressive and transformative, JuJu Watkins is making a compelling case to dethrone her as the National Player of the Year. With her scoring ability, playmaking skills, defense, and leadership, Watkins has emerged as one of the most complete players in college basketball. She has already helped elevate USC to national prominence, and as the season progresses, her case for NPOTY grows stronger with each passing game.

Though Clark’s dominance in recent years is undeniable, Watkins’ rise signals the start of a new era in college basketball. The battle for National Player of the Year honors in 2025 may come down to the wire, but one thing is clear: JuJu Watkins is here to stay, and her future in the sport is as bright as her present.