April 3rd 2024.
JuJu Watkins, a rising star on the University of Southern California's basketball team, has just completed her first season with a bang. Despite the unfortunate loss that ended their hopes of winning the NCAA Woman's Basketball Title, Watkins has managed to break yet another college basketball record. According to USCTrojans.com, the talented freshman scored a game-high of 29 points, bringing her total points for the season to a whopping 920, setting a new record for NCAA Division 1 Women's Basketball.
The Trojans, led by Watkins, had an impressive run in the tournament, making it all the way to the Elite Eight. However, they were eventually defeated by the formidable University of Connecticut basketball team, who claimed victory with a score of 80-73 on Monday, April 1. Despite the loss, Watkins' outstanding performance did not go unnoticed.
In fact, ABC News reported that Watkins had surpassed the previous scoring record of Tina Hutchinson from San Diego State, who had scored 898 points back in 1983-84. With her 920 points, Watkins became the first ever freshman in Division I history to surpass the 900-point mark in a single season. When asked about her latest achievement, Watkins humbly stated, "It's definitely an honor. I mean, of course, not the way I would have liked to end my season, but I am incredibly blessed and grateful for everything this program has given me."
Watkins' impressive scoring record was not the only highlight of her season. She also recorded her ninth double-double of the season with 10 rebounds in the game against UConn. Despite the loss, Watkins' amazing performance did not go unnoticed. Shortly after the game, she was informed that she had been selected as a Wooden Award All-American and was one of the five finalists for the John R. Wooden Award, according to USCTrojans.com. This makes her the first female player from USC to receive such honors since the organization began recognizing women's basketball in 2004.
Prior to the NCAA Tournament, Watkins had already made a name for herself. She was named to the Pac-12 All-Tournament Team, leading her team to victory in the 2024 Pac-12 Tournament Championship. Her impressive skills and talent also caught the attention of the United States Basketball Writers Association and The Athletic, who both named her as the National Freshman of the Year.
In a recent interview, Angel Reese, a fellow college basketball player, spoke about the mental health challenges she faced after last year's NCAA Championship win. It is no secret that being a student-athlete comes with its own set of challenges, and Watkins' remarkable achievements in her first year at USC are a testament to her hard work, determination, and mental toughness. With her record-breaking performance and numerous accolades, it is safe to say that Watkins is a rising star to watch out for in the world of college basketball.
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