Ballerific Women: JuJu Watkins Is More Than Just a Courtside Companion

Judea ‘JuJu’ Watkins is an American college basketball player who plays guard for the University of Southern California. Competing in the Big Ten Conference, the oldest Division 1 athletic conference in the United States, Watkins proves herself as a rising star in college basketball.

Recently, Watkins was spotted courtside chatting it up and watching the NCAA tournament with NFL player Jayden Daniels. Moments later, it appeared Daniels’ mother intervened, sitting herself between the pair.

Many questioned who Watkins was, suggesting she was a fan or admirer of Daniels. However, as a talented basketball player with her own career, Watkins deserves recognition for the incredible basketball player she is.

As a highly ranked player, Watkins has earned numerous accolades. She’s been named Big Ten’s Player of the Year, named the Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Year by the United States Basketball Writers Association, and was one of four finalists for the prestigious Wade Trophy, one of the oldest and most honored awards in women’s college basketball.

As the Big Ten Player of the Year, Watkins to-date averages 26.2 points, surpassing her already impressive current average of 23.9 points this season.

Additionally, Watkins recently made history becoming the first basketball player at the Division 1 collegiate, WNBA, and NBA levels since 2000 to record 38 points, 11 rebounds, eight blocks, and five assists in a single game.

Watkins also earns a significant income through her NIL deals, revenue made from her name, image, and likeness. Reports suggest that Watkins’ partnerships with brands like Nike and Gatorade earned her nearly $1 million.

Whether or not JuJu wanted to chat with an NFL star, it’s clear she shines on her own. With her impressive achievements on the court and her rising status, Juju’s talent speaks for itself, independent of any football player.

JuJu recently suffered a season-ending knee injury after tearing her ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, in her right knee. Watkins is now focusing on her recovery for the remainder of the season.

Despite the injury, fans are anticipating JuJu’s comeback, confident she’ll return to the court even stronger than before.