For many of us, the University of Southern California’s Juju Watkins is the embodiment of excellence, a generational talent whose remarkable hoop skills on the court have not only signaled a level-up across the landscape of women’s basketball but also inspired countless fans, teammates, and young athletes. In the 2025 season, she has exceeded expectations as a dominant force, leading the USC Trojans with unmatched talent, passion, and dedication. From her incredible scoring ability to her leadership on and off the court, Juju has proven time and again that she is not just a star — she is a once-in-a-generation player whose impact extends far beyond basketball. Her accolades this season are a testament to her relentless work ethic and her love for the game.
The USC basketball star, has leveraged her success on the court to make a significant impact off it through NIL deals and philanthropic efforts. With an estimated said to be around $765,000 in NIL earnings, Watkins has partnerships with over 20 companies, including major brands like Nike, Gatorade, United Airlines, and Estée Lauder. She has used these opportunities to give back to her community, particularly in the Watts area of Los Angeles where she grew up. In a notable initiative called the “Good JuJu Holiday Giveback,” Watkins collaborated with Nike to provide shoes, accessories, and gear to aspiring basketball players at local high schools. Juju also partnered with GirlsBuild in donating athletic back packs and hygiene products to student athletes affected by the California wildfires. These events exemplify her commitment to supporting the next generation of athletes in her hometown.
Watkins’ philanthropic efforts are deeply rooted in her family’s legacy of community service, as she continues the work of her grandfather and great-grandfather through the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC). Her dedication to both basketball and community service reflects her desire to use her platform for positive change, inspiring others with her motto “Don’t Move… Improve”.
JuJu Watkins has won the following basketball honors and awards for the 2025 season:
- First Team All-American (AP and USBWA)
- Big Ten Player of the Year
- The Athletic’s National Player of the Year
- Sporting News National Player of the Year
- Big Ten All-Tournament Team
- Finalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year
- Semifinalist for the Sullivan Award
- Named to the Wooden Award Top 15 Ballot
- Named to the Wade Watch List
- Women’s National Player of the Year (USBWA)
- Finalist for the Dawn Staley Award
Additionally, Watkins has been recognized for several notable achievements during the 2024-2025 season:
- Became the fastest USC player to reach 1,000 career points (38 games)
- First Division I player in 20 seasons with at least 35 points, 5 blocks, and 5 assists in a game
- Set a USC program single-game record for three-pointers (9) in a game against California Baptist
Unfortunately, Watkins’ sophomore season was cut short due to an ACL tear during the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
While we are deeply saddened by her injury during the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament, we know that this is only a temporary setback for a player of her caliber. At Packed House Sports, our thoughts and prayers are with Juju, her family, and the entire USC community as she embarks on the road to recovery. We have no doubt that Juju’s toughness, belief and spirit will carry her through this challenge, just as her talent has elevated the Trojan program to new heights. Fight on, Juju — for your family, for your team, and for the Trojan community that loves you. You are a very special person, and your journey is far from over. We look forward to watching you rise again, stronger than ever. 🙏🏾💛