Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back when talking about USC’s JuJu Watkins, and honestly, he’s right on point. JuJu isn’t just a promising young player—she’s the full package, and it’s about time people start giving her the national spotlight she deserves. While the basketball world was swept up by Caitlin Clark’s historic season last year, Watkins is quietly—or not so quietly—building her own legend. And we need to talk about her with that same energy.
Averaging elite numbers and consistently stepping up in big games, Watkins has proven she’s not just riding the hype—she’s living up to it. She brings intensity, leadership, and poise far beyond her years. Her basketball IQ, scoring ability, and defensive hustle make her a nightmare for opponents. This isn’t just potential; it’s performance.
Smith emphasized that while Caitlin Clark had everyone’s attention last season—and deservedly so—it’s time the conversation expands to include Watkins, who’s putting up highlight-worthy plays and carrying her team on her back in crunch time. He’s not saying one is better than the other, but rather that JuJu Watkins deserves that same level of national recognition, media buzz, and fan support.
Women’s basketball is in a golden era, and Watkins is one of the brightest stars lighting the way. She’s changing the game, just like Clark did. So yes, we absolutely should be hyping her up—not just as a rising talent, but as a current force in the sport. Watkins isn’t next up—she’s already here.
