In a recent segment on ESPN’s “First Take,” analyst Stephen A. Smith praised USC’s sophomore guard, JuJu Watkins, for her exceptional skills and potential to make a significant impact in the WNBA, potentially rivaling the influence of Caitlin Clark. Smith emphasized Watkins’ impressive ball-handling, driving, and shooting abilities, stating, “This sister is something special.”
Watkins has indeed been a standout performer for the USC Trojans, averaging 27.1 points per game in her freshman year and maintaining a strong 24.4 points per game in her sophomore year. Her contributions have been pivotal in USC’s success, including securing the Big Ten regular-season title and earning a projected No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
However, some discussions have emerged regarding the media’s coverage of Watkins compared to Clark. While Clark’s transition to the WNBA has garnered significant attention, Smith and others have observed that Watkins’ achievements might not receive the same level of recognition. Katie Lever of Awful Announcing noted that Watkins’ marketability and on-court performance are comparable to Clark’s, suggesting a disparity in media attention.
Despite these observations, Watkins continues to excel, recently scoring 30 points in a victory over UCLA, further solidifying her status as a leading candidate for National Player of the Year honors.
As the NCAA Tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Watkins to see if she can lead USC to a national championship and continue to elevate her profile in the world of women’s basketball.
