Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A. Smith were gushing in their praise for JuJu Watkins after the USC star inspired a statement victory over Paige Bueckers and No. 4 UConn on Saturday.

Watkins led the Trojans (11-1) with 25 points, adding six rebounds and five assists en route to a 72-70 victory on the road over the Huskies at XL Center.

The 19-year-old sophomore was a unanimous All-American in her freshman season, and her remarkable form has continued this year, taking down Bueckers and the Huskies to bolster her claim of being the best collegiate player in the nation.

A pair of clutch Watkins free throws with just 19.5 seconds remaining gave USC a three-point lead, and they held on gamely as she proved once again that she belongs on the big stage.

‘First Take’ pundits Shannon Sharpe and Stephen A. Smith were blown away by Watkins’ performance, with both in agreement that the reigning Freshman of the Year should be considered in the same category as Caitlin Clark.

Clark became a transcendent star over her four seasons in college with Iowa before being taken as the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever. She went on to produce a record-breaking debut season, winning Rookie of the Year recognition.

Sharpe and Smith believe Watkins is on the same level as Caitlin Clark

Sharpe and Smith believe Watkins is on the same level as Caitlin Clark ( 

Image:

Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

“I don’t know if I’ve seen a women’s college basketball player as polished as JuJu Watkins,” NFL Hall of Famer Sharpe said. “The way she can put the ball on the floor, get to the rim, Eurostep, one leg, 3-point shot, mid-range shot, and she can play outstanding defense.

“She’ll sit in the chair, she can block shots, she can slide. She is as polished a basketball player as we’ve seen at the women’s level.”

Sharpe said Watkins should “absolutely” be considered a player on the same level as Clark, and Smith added: “We should be talking about her the way talked about Caitlin Clark last year. JuJu is special. She is the package and she is going to be special.”

Watkins has been among the most productive players in the nation so far this season, averaging 25 points, six rebounds and four assists per game, with a highly impressive field goal percentage of 46.2.

Watkins and No. 7 USC are back in action on Sunday when they host No. 20 Michigan at Galen Center, with the visit of No. 23 Nebraska following on New Year’s Day, with the Trojans hoping to add two more ranked victories to their resume.