t‘s been over a month since the WNBA season ended, but in the NCAA we are now seeing players vying for a chance to enter the league in the next draft or in the years to come. There’s still a long way to go this season, and a lot could happen before and after March Madness, but one thing seems certain: Paige Bueckers is a lock for the number one pick, while Juju Watkins stands out as the player with the most potential and is the favorite of several former NBA players to surpass even Caitlin Clark’s numbers in college.
Watkins Celebrity Pick as Her Thanksgiving Guest
Juju Watkins’ fame has already reached new heights with the six-episode docuseries “On the Rise: JuJu Watkins” airing on NBC and Peacock. Produced by LeBron James’ company, Klutch Sports, along with Uninterrupted and 4.4Forty, the series gives fans an inside look at the USC guard’s life on and off the court. But a recent revelation also gave us a glimpse into which celebrity Watkins would choose to have Thanksgiving dinner with. Surprisingly, her choice wasn’t a basketball player or a fellow young star, but an older actor.
Many might expect her to pick a basketball icon like LeBron, Durant or Curry – or even a rising Hollywood star – but her answer was Will Ferrell. A comedic genius, Ferrell is beloved by many, and I’d agree that he’d be a fun dinner guest. However, it’s surprising that she would choose him over other basketball legends. However, considering her new docuseries, she’s probably already shared a meal with LeBron, making him an unlikely choice. It seems Watkins is a real fan of Ferrell’s, so don’t be surprised if he shows up at a USC game soon, much like Snoop Dogg did this past weekend.
Juju Watkins: A Rising NCAA Star
The 19-year-old phenom showed off her all-around talent last season as a freshman, posting stellar averages: 27.1 points on 40.1% shooting, 7.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. This season, she continues to impress, leading the USC Trojans to a 5-1 record in six games. In 33 minutes per game, Watkins is averaging 21.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists. Many believe her scoring average will increase, with some speculating that she could even surpass Caitlin Clark’s NCAA career scoring record.
With at least two years left at USC, there’s plenty of time for Watkins to cement her legacy. While comparisons to Clark are inevitable, one milestone eludes Clark – a national championship. Watkins has the potential to accomplish that feat, but there’s no rush. Her development and future seem well orchestrated, pointing to a bright career ahead. Tomorrow, the Trojans host Saint Louis in what should be a comfortable game for Watkins and her team. Keep an eye on this rising star as she continues her journey to basketball greatness.