JuJu Watkins Recognized as Naismith Player of the Year
JuJu Watkins from USC is celebrated for winning the Naismith Award as the best women’s college basketball player following her impressive sophomore season.
The 2024-25 Naismith Awards ceremony was recently held, showcasing a West Coast highlight as all three winners were from top California schools: USC and UCLA. Notably, JuJu Watkins earned the accolade of National Player of the Year, further establishing her dominance in women’s basketball.
Watkins’s Impressive Performance
Watkins delivered a stellar season, averaging 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game, leading USC to a remarkable 31-4 record. This season, she capitalized on her last year’s success, succeeding in elevating her team’s performance.
During the NCAA Tournament, however, her journey was cut short due to a critical ACL injury in the second round against Mississippi State, yet the Trojans impressively advanced to the Elite Eight without her before losing to UConn.
“The Best Player in College Basketball 🏆
Congratulations to JuJu Watkins of USC on being named our 2025 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year 👏 @jerseymikes | #JerseyMikesNaismith2025 | @USCWBB | #FightOn pic.twitter.com/7q79NJCqkz — Naismith Awards @NaismithTrophy April 2, 2025
The event also recognized Lauren Betts from UCLA as the Defensive Player of the Year and Cori Close as Coach of the Year. Betts led her team with 3.0 blocks per game and contributed to UCLA’s top defense, which ranked sixth in the nation.
The Bruins concluded their season with an impressive 34-2 record, marking their milestone first-ever trip to the Final Four under Coach Close.
