NBA superstar LeBron James has sent JuJu Watkins a message on Instagram as the USC Trojans basketball ace continues her bid to become the face of women’s NCAA basketball.
The 19-year-old guard was second (27.1pts) only to Caitlin Clark (31.6pts) in average points scored last season. Watkins also managed 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists on average.
However, heading into the 2024/25 season, Watkins doesn’t have to contend with Clark at the Iowa Hawkeyes after she headed to the WNBA earlier this year and set the league on fire. Clark, 22, averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game as she helped the Indiana Fever reach the WNBA playoffs, where they were eliminated by the Connecticut Sun.
She earned the Rookie of the Year award and broke numerous WNBA records in her debut season. Watkins is looking to be the torch-bearer of NCAA women’s basketball in the upcoming season.
- JuJu Watkins follows in Caitlin Clark’s footsteps as USC phenom signs huge Nike deal
- JuJu Watkins played role in top recruit Jazzy Davidson’s ‘huge’ USC decision
“I wouldn’t really say pressure,” Watkins said earlier this month at Big Ten media day. “So many great teams in this league, and I think my main focus is just winning with my team. And wherever that takes us, we’re grateful. I’m grateful for this opportunity.”
Watkins being the face of women’s NCAA basketball was also reaffirmed by her massive extension deal with Nike. She signed one of the richest shoe endorsement deals in women’s basketball, according to ESPN, which was negotiated by Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and Watkins’ team.
NBA superstar and future Hall of Famer, James, who is the league’s all-time points scorer, multiple-time champion, and MVP, is also under Klutch Sports, and he sent Watkins an encouraging message on Instagram. “Gotta keep you right Ju!!” James wrote alongside a picture of Watkins decked out in Nike gear.
James, Watkin’s fellow Klutch Sports client, posted about the USC star on Instagram (
Getty)
Watkins is looking to become the face of women’s college basketball, following on from Clark (
Getty)
Watkins hopes to lead the Trojans deeper this season after helping the school reach the Elite Eight in her freshman season. She became the all-time leading scorer among freshmen in NCAA Division I women’s basketball history last season.
Watkins scored 920 points, surpassing ex-San Diego State star Tina Hutchinson’s record, which was set two decades ago with 898 points. Watkins was the No. 1 prospect heading into 2023 and even she didn’t expect any of what followed.
“No, I did not. I just played because I had fun doing it. I never thought I would get to this level or experience the things that I’ve experienced. Every day is like a crazy moment for me realizing the kind of life I live. I’m super grateful,” she told CBS Sports.
Leave a Reply