Caitlin Clark’s collegiate career at Iowa was nothing short of historic. As the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I history, she left an undeniable impact not only on the Hawkeyes program, but on the sport as a whole. Her dynamic playmaking and elite scoring ability propelled Iowa to back-to-back national championship appearances, though they fell just short of winning a title. Despite those losses to current Chicago Sky players Angel Reese and LSU in 2023 and Camilla Cardoso with South Carolina in 2024, Clark’s legacy extends far beyond championships.
Her individual brilliance has set a new standard for future generations and inspired young players across the country. Her impact is already being felt at the professional level, where she has taken the WNBA by storm, winning Rookie of the Year and leading the Indiana Fever back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. But even as Clark transitions to the next chapter of her career, her impact on the college game continues to shape the narrative, with USC’sJuJu Watkins emerging as the next dominant force in women’s basketball.
JuJu Watkins Joins Elite Company
Watkins has been nothing short of spectacular for USC this season, cementing herself as the frontrunner for National Player of the Year honors. Her latest accomplishment further cements her place in history: she became just the second player this century to score 30 or more points in four consecutive games against the same opponent, joining Clark in that exclusive club. Watkins torched UCLA for 30 points in USC’s 80-67 victory, adding five assists, three rebounds, three blocks and two steals.
It was a master class in scoring and defensive dominance that has become a hallmark of her game. UCLA, one of the best teams in the nation, simply had no answer for her, just as Nebraska struggled to contain Clark during her reign at Iowa. Watkins’ ability to consistently perform against top competition is a testament to her skill, work ethic and mental toughness. With USC securing the Big Ten regular season title, the Trojans are poised for a deep run in March, and Watkins will be at the center of their championship aspirations.
What’s Next for Watkins and USC?
With the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, Watkins and USC enter as one of the favorites to cut down the nets. With a 26-2 record, the Trojans are expected to secure a No. 1 seed, setting up potential matchups against elite competition like UConn’s Paige Bueckers and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo. Watkins has thrived in big moments all season, from her dominant performance in the season opener in Paris against Ole Miss to her statement game against UConn. Her ability to elevate her game under pressure makes her the most dangerous player on the court. Last season, as a freshman, she led USC to the Elite Eight, but expectations are even higher this year. With more national exposure thanks to USC’s move to the Big Ten, Watkins has become one of the most recognizable faces in the sport. If she continues on this trajectory, she won’t just be chasing a national title, she’ll be chasing history.
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