Caitlin Clark’s College Reign Is Not Safe as JuJu Watkins Shows Why She Is the Favorite for National Player of the Year

Caitlin Clark, the sensational guard from the University of Iowa, has dominated the college basketball landscape over the last few seasons. She has rewritten record books, garnered countless accolades, and established herself as one of the most electrifying players in women’s basketball history. However, a rising star from the University of Southern California (USC), JuJu Watkins, is beginning to challenge that supremacy. With her exceptional skills, high basketball IQ, and the ability to make an impact on both ends of the court, Watkins is making her case to dethrone Clark as the National Player of the Year (NPOY).

This article delves into the reasons why JuJu Watkins is not just the next big thing in college basketball, but also why she’s becoming the favorite for NPOY as Clark’s reign starts to look more precarious.

Caitlin Clark: A Legacy in the Making

Before diving into JuJu Watkins’ rise, it’s essential to appreciate the brilliance that Caitlin Clark has displayed throughout her career. Since stepping onto the scene at Iowa, Clark has been nothing short of phenomenal. She has consistently broken records, and her combination of scoring, playmaking, and leadership has made her one of the most formidable forces in NCAA basketball history.

Clark’s long-range shooting, court vision, and scoring ability make her a player unlike any other. Her 2023-2024 season saw her average over 27 points per game, leading Iowa to multiple victories in the NCAA tournament, with the team making a deep run to the Final Four. Clark’s ability to dominate the game from anywhere on the court, especially her deep three-pointers, has made her one of the most dangerous players to ever step on a college basketball court.

Her playmaking ability has also set her apart. Clark’s vision and decision-making allow her to create opportunities for her teammates, leading to a higher number of assists compared to most other star players in the league. Her leadership on the court has been unmatched, guiding Iowa through difficult games and moments when her team needed her the most.

Despite this, the nature of college sports is such that even legends like Clark face challenges from emerging talent. One such challenge is coming from JuJu Watkins, a player who is quickly becoming a force in her own right.

JuJu Watkins: The Rising Star

JuJu Watkins is a 6’1″ forward from Los Angeles, California, and has been making waves in the college basketball world since her freshman year at USC. From the moment she set foot on the court for the Trojans, it was clear that she possessed an elite skill set that would make her one of the top players in the nation. With an innate ability to score from all areas of the floor, combined with her size, athleticism, and defensive prowess, Watkins is positioning herself as not only a future WNBA prospect but also a potential NPOY winner.

In her time at USC, Watkins has been the centerpiece of the team’s offense. Her stats speak for themselves, as she consistently averages 20+ points per game, along with double-digit rebounds, and several assists. What truly sets her apart, though, is her versatility. While Clark is known for her exceptional shooting range, Watkins excels in multiple aspects of the game. She can post up smaller defenders, attack the rim with authority, and stretch the floor with a reliable mid-range and three-point game.

Her offensive versatility is complemented by her ability to contribute significantly on the defensive end. Watkins has proven to be a disruptive force on defense, using her length, quickness, and basketball IQ to make an impact on that side of the ball. Whether it’s blocking shots, stealing passes, or forcing turnovers, Watkins’ defensive contributions are critical to USC’s success.

Scoring Versatility: The Key to Watkins’ Case

One of the major arguments for why JuJu Watkins has emerged as a top contender for NPOY is her scoring versatility. While Caitlin Clark is an exceptional shooter, her offensive game revolves heavily around the three-pointer, which makes her a highly dangerous player but also slightly one-dimensional at times. Conversely, Watkins has shown that she can dominate in several ways.

Watkins is a matchup nightmare. Her ability to attack the basket with both finesse and power makes her a significant threat. Her jump shot, particularly from mid-range, is smooth and reliable, making her an effective scoring threat from multiple spots on the floor. But what truly sets her apart is her combination of size, skill, and athleticism. At 6’1″, Watkins has the size to dominate smaller defenders inside while possessing the agility to blow by bigger opponents. This makes her effective in virtually every offensive situation.

Whether attacking off the dribble, finishing in transition, or posting up in the paint, Watkins has the tools to score in a variety of ways. Her ability to put the ball in the basket, regardless of the defensive scheme used against her, is one of the key reasons she is becoming a strong favorite for NPOY.

Defense: Where Watkins Takes the Lead

While Caitlin Clark has garnered attention for her offensive brilliance, JuJu Watkins has the edge on the defensive end, and this is perhaps the most significant difference between the two players’ cases for NPOY.

Defense is often overlooked in the conversation about superstar players, especially in a sport where scoring is so heavily emphasized. However, for a player to be truly dominant in college basketball, their contributions on both ends of the floor must be considered. JuJu Watkins brings a level of intensity and effectiveness on defense that Caitlin Clark simply cannot match at this point in her career.

Watkins’ ability to defend multiple positions is a game-changer for USC. She has the speed and agility to guard smaller players on the perimeter but the strength and physicality to handle post players as well. Her basketball IQ allows her to anticipate plays, leading to steals, deflections, and timely shot contests. In addition, Watkins’ rebounding ability has been a key factor in USC’s success this season. As a versatile defender, she has the capacity to impact the game in more ways than Clark, whose defense, while improving, has often been a subject of critique.Leadership and Impact on the Game

Caitlin Clark’s leadership is unquestioned. She has been the heart and soul of Iowa’s program for several years, and her ability to carry her team through big moments has earned her countless accolades. However, JuJu Watkins’ leadership qualities are beginning to shine through as well.

At USC, Watkins has quickly become the leader of the team. As a freshman, she made an immediate impact on the program, helping elevate the Trojans’ performance and ensuring that they remain competitive at the highest level. Her leadership is not just in her ability to score but also in her approach to the game and her teammates. Watkins has proven to be a vocal leader, inspiring her teammates with her competitive spirit and work ethic. This has helped elevate the level of play for the entire USC team, and her leadership is a major factor in their success.

The National Player of the Year Race: A Two-Horse Race?

With the season progressing, it is becoming clear that the NPOY race is shaping up to be a battle between Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins. While Clark’s scoring ability and leadership make her a perennial favorite for the award, Watkins’ all-around game, combined with her dominance on both ends of the floor, makes her a formidable challenger.

It’s also worth noting that the respective team success of both players will weigh heavily in the NPOY race. Iowa, with Clark leading the charge, remains one of the top teams in the country. However, USC’s rise as a top contender in the Pac-12 with Watkins at the helm has only added to the excitement surrounding her candidacy. If USC continues to perform at a high level and challenge for national titles, Watkins’ case for NPOY will only strengthen.

 The Changing of the Guard?

As Caitlin Clark continues to build her legacy as one of the greatest players in NCAA history, there is no denying that JuJu Watkins is emerging as one of the brightest stars in college basketball. While Clark’s reign as the undisputed NPOY favorite may have seemed secure just a few seasons ago, Watkins’ all-around game, defensive prowess, and ability to dominate on both ends of the floor are making her a serious challenger for the prestigious honor.

The evolution of women’s college basketball is evident, and JuJu Watkins is leading the charge for the next generation of players who can do it all. Whether or not she can dethrone Clark as the NPOY remains to be seen, but what is clear is that the landscape of women’s college basketball is shifting, and the competition for the top individual awards is fiercer than ever.

As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Clark and Watkins, two exceptional talents who are pushing each other to greater heights. The future of college basketball looks incredibly bright, and it’s players like JuJu Watkins who are ensuring that the game continues to evolve in exciting ways.