Caitlin Clark, after four impressive seasons at Iowa, was the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft. Since joining the Indiana Fever, she has faced a brief adjustment period but is now finding her stride, averaging 15.4 points and 6.3 assists with shooting splits of .371/.316/.889 over seven games. As Clark excels in the WNBA, a new era is beginning in women’s college basketball, which she previously helped popularize by selling out arenas and attracting millions of fans. Her transition to the professional league is a significant gain for the WNBA, though it leaves a gap in college sports.
JuJu Watkins, a standout USC wing who averaged 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.3 steals as a freshman, is emerging as the next face of women’s college basketball. Watkins led the Trojans to the Elite Eight and, playing in the media-rich environment of Los Angeles, is set to become a national figure. Clark, aware of Watkins’ potential, recognizes her importance to the sport.
In an interview with The Orange County Register, USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb recalled a conversation between Clark and Watkins at the Wooden Award ceremony, where Clark won the top honor in women’s college basketball. Clark has worked tirelessly to uplift women’s basketball, managing the pressure of being a central figure in the sport with grace. While she has been the dominant player recently, she acknowledges that rising stars like Watkins could one day surpass her, as Watkins already outscored Clark’s freshman average.
As Clark moves on to professional play, the torch passes to Watkins, now a rising sophomore. Other notable players like Paige Bueckers and Rori Harmon will also share the spotlight, but often one star garners the most national attention. Clark filled this role, much like LeBron James or college stars such as Zion Williamson, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart. Watkins is now on that path, poised to thrive and continue the legacy of excellence in women’s basketball.
