With USC, JuJu Watkins creates history in a manner not seen in two decades: Shake, Caitlin Clark!

In the world of college basketball, there are moments of brilliance that leave a lasting imprint on the sport—plays, performances, and athletes who transcend their time and make history. For years, Caitlin Clark has been the face of women’s college basketball, shattering records and capturing the hearts of fans with her electric playmaking, jaw-dropping shooting, and undeniable charisma. But in 2025, a new star emerged on the scene, one who made history in a manner not seen in nearly two decades—a young athlete from USC by the name of JuJu Watkins, whose impact on the court is already rivaling some of the biggest names in the sport, including Clark herself.

JuJu Watkins, the freshman sensation from USC, had a breakout season that would make any coach, player, or fan sit up and take notice. In just her first year, she not only led the USC Trojans to the pinnacle of college basketball but also redefined what it means to be a dominant presence in the game. Her performance against powerhouse teams, including a high-profile matchup against Caitlin Clark’s Iowa team, was one for the history books. It wasn’t just about the win; it was about how she achieved it—through an electric, historic performance that left the basketball world buzzing.

This article will dive into JuJu Watkins’ meteoric rise, focusing particularly on her historic performance that shook the college basketball landscape in 2025. With comparisons to Caitlin Clark, this piece will explore how Watkins has made her mark, how her style of play contrasts with Clark’s, and how she is the new face of women’s college basketball moving forward.

JuJu Watkins: A Freshman Phenom

JuJu Watkins was highly touted as one of the top prospects entering the 2025 NCAA season. Her athleticism, basketball IQ, and competitive fire were already well-known by those who had followed her high school career. After a standout performance in the McDonald’s All-American Game and various national showcases, Watkins committed to the University of Southern California (USC), where she was expected to make an immediate impact.

Watkins wasn’t just a well-rounded player—she was a bona fide game-changer. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches with a versatile scoring game, she was equally adept at scoring in the paint, knocking down mid-range jumpers, and shooting from behind the arc. What separated Watkins from other elite prospects, however, was her rare combination of strength, speed, and court vision. The way she played the game—with such poise and confidence—belied her youth, making it evident that she was destined for greatness.

In her freshman season, Watkins quickly proved her worth. From the moment she stepped onto the court for the Trojans, it was clear that she was a player who demanded attention. Her scoring ability was unmatched, as she routinely dropped 30-plus points, leading USC to some massive victories in the Pac-12 and beyond. However, it wasn’t just her offensive explosion that stood out—it was her all-around game, her defensive prowess, and her leadership ability that truly made her a player for the ages.

The Historic Performance: USC vs. Iowa

The defining moment of Watkins’ freshman season came on the biggest stage—when the USC Trojans faced off against Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes in a highly anticipated matchup. The game was billed as one of the biggest in women’s college basketball in years, a clash between two of the most exciting players the sport had ever seen: Clark, the established superstar and reigning NCAA Player of the Year, and Watkins, the up-and-coming phenom ready to challenge Clark for the throne.

The game lived up to its billing. The atmosphere was electric, with both teams bringing their A-game from the tip-off. Clark, as expected, came out aggressive, knocking down threes from all over the court, while the Hawkeyes tried to establish a fast-paced rhythm. Iowa’s offense, centered around Clark’s incredible scoring ability, looked unstoppable early on, with Clark hitting a deep three-pointer within the first few minutes, silencing the crowd.

However, JuJu Watkins wasn’t fazed. She rose to the occasion in a manner that made the basketball world sit up and take notice. Watkins’ performance in the game against Iowa was historic for several reasons—not just because of the win, but because of the way she took control of the game and outshined the legend that was Caitlin Clark.

Watkins led the charge for USC with 38 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists in a 92-85 victory that marked a turning point in her career. What was even more remarkable about the game wasn’t just the numbers, but the way she dominated all areas of the court. She scored from anywhere—pulling up for deep threes, finishing strong at the rim, and using her size and agility to get to the free-throw line. Her defense was suffocating, shutting down Iowa’s perimeter game and forcing turnovers that led to easy fast-break points.

Perhaps the most significant moment of the game came in the final minutes, when USC was clinging to a narrow lead. Caitlin Clark had the ball, poised to take over as she so often had done in the past. However, it was Watkins who stepped up to the challenge. In a critical possession, Watkins faced off against Clark one-on-one and used her length and athleticism to block one of Clark’s signature deep three-pointers, a play that shifted momentum in favor of USC and sealed the victory.

This performance not only marked Watkins’ rise to prominence but also put her on the map as one of the top players in women’s college basketball—an athlete capable of going toe-to-toe with, and even surpassing, the best the sport has to offer.

Watkins vs. Clark: A New Era of Women’s Basketball

The rivalry between Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins is one that could define women’s college basketball for years to come. Both players are generational talents, but they represent different styles of play. Caitlin Clark is known for her range, her ability to score from anywhere on the court, and her clutch performances in high-pressure moments. She’s the player who made deep threes a staple of the women’s game, and her ability to handle the ball and create plays for her teammates is unmatched.

Watkins, on the other hand, brings a different dimension to the table. Her strength, versatility, and basketball IQ make her a more well-rounded player. Unlike Clark, who thrives as a perimeter shooter, Watkins is equally dangerous inside the paint. Her athleticism allows her to guard multiple positions and run the floor like a guard despite her size. Her ability to finish through contact, combined with her ability to shoot from range, makes her a nightmare for opposing defenses.

While Caitlin Clark’s style of play has become iconic in women’s basketball, Watkins’ rise signals the beginning of a new era—a shift toward more versatile, complete players who can impact the game in every aspect. It’s no longer just about being a shooting specialist or a dominant post player; it’s about being a player who can do it all, and Watkins is the epitome of that new standard.

What’s exciting for women’s college basketball is that, for the first time in a long time, the future of the sport seems uncertain in the most exciting way. As Clark nears the end of her college career, the stage is set for players like Watkins to take center stage and redefine what it means to be a star in women’s basketball.

The Impact on USC and the Pac-12

JuJu Watkins’ rise to prominence has had a profound impact on USC and the Pac-12 conference as a whole. Before her arrival, USC was known as a solid program, but never quite the powerhouse that other schools in the conference had been. However, with Watkins leading the way, the Trojans have become a legitimate title contender, and her success has injected a renewed sense of pride and hope into the program. The Trojans, who have always had a rich athletic tradition, now have a player who could bring them their first NCAA championship in women’s basketball.

In addition to her individual success, Watkins’ rise has had a ripple effect across the entire Pac-12. Her dominant performances have elevated the level of competition in the conference, which has traditionally been a stronghold for women’s college basketball. The Pac-12 now finds itself in a heated battle for supremacy, with teams like Stanford, UCLA, and Oregon now facing the formidable challenge of competing against the new USC juggernaut led by Watkins.

Moreover, Watkins’ game has captured the attention of fans across the country, bringing more visibility to the Pac-12 and ensuring that women’s college basketball continues to gain mainstream appeal. Her highlight-reel plays and clutch performances against top-tier teams have made her a household name and set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling postseason for both USC and the league as a whole.

A Legacy in the Making

JuJu Watkins’ rise to prominence, capped by her historic performance against Caitlin Clark’s Iowa team, represents a seismic shift in women’s college basketball. While Clark remains one of the most iconic figures in the sport, it’s clear that the future of women’s basketball is in good hands with the next wave of stars like Watkins. With her versatility, athleticism, and ability to perform on the biggest stages, Watkins has cemented her place as one of the most exciting young players in the game today.

The rivalry between Clark and Watkins is just beginning, and it’s one that promises to captivate fans for years to come. Whether it’s their head-to-head matchups, the way they elevate their teams, or their lasting impact on the game itself, the future of women’s basketball is brighter than ever—and it’s players like JuJu Watkins who will lead the charge.