Women’s basketball is finally stepping into the spotlight, with Caitlin Clark leading the charge in her rookie WNBA season. However, next year’s WNBA Draft is set to introduce another star in Paige Bueckers, the top prospect from UConn, which means the popularity will only expand. Comparisons between Bueckers and reigning Rookie of the Year are already heating up, setting the stage for a potential rivalry that could redefine the league. But the excitement doesn’t stop there as Juju Watkins, another rising talent from the USC Trojans is already being hailed as the next big thing, even though her WNBA debut is still a few years away.

While Bueckers is expected to make her highly anticipated WNBA debut in 2025, Juju Watkins is quietly building her own legacy. At just 19 years old and currently in her sophomore year with the USC Trojans, Watkins still has at least a couple of years before she becomes eligible for the WNBA Draft, as players must be 21 in the draft year. Her talent is drawing serious attention, and a recent ESPN report reinforces what many already believe: Watkins is destined for stardom.

Recently, ESPN reporter, Alexa Philippou published a report which cited an unnamed WNBA talent evaluator praising Watkins. “You could be looking at a multiple MVP winner. She’s going to carry a franchise. Besides Caitlin, she’s definitely the next most exciting prospect. … That’s the one you’re waiting for,” the WNBA talent evaluator told ESPN.

The praise for Juju Watkins is well-deserved—after all, she broke Caitlin Clark’s freshman scoring record last year and surpassed her to become the 4th fastest player to score 1000 points. However, the comment from the WNBA talent evaluator raises eyebrows for overlooking Paige Bueckers, whose WNBA debut is just around the corner.

Juju Watkins has emerged as a standout talent in women’s college basketball. As a freshman, she averaged 27.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, helping USC achieve its best season in 40 years with an Elite Eight finish. But let’s not forget Paige Bueckers, who had her own phenomenal freshman campaign in 2020-21. She averaged 20 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game—impressive by any measure, though not quite as high as Watkins’ dazzling numbers.

Well, it seems Juju Watkins’ rise to stardom is imminent, with Caitlin Clark ready to offer her guidance along the journey.

Passing the Torch: Caitlin Clark’s mentorship fuels Watkins’ rise

Caitlin Clark has long been an inspiration to young players, with her influence extending even to her junior teammates at Iowa. Just before the season, Hannah Stuelke shared how Clark continues to stay in touch, offering advice and guidance. It’s no surprise—Clark’s mentorship is something many young players value. So, when USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb first met with Clark, she too asked for help, recognizing the star’s leadership and wisdom.

“If there’s anything you could offer me to help [JuJu] …” Gottleib had asked Clark. True to her mentor’s spirit, the 22-year-old replied, “Absolutely, I’d be happy to. I had that kind of attention for a year and a half. She’s going to have it for three years.”

If Caitlin Clark’s mentorship comes into play, Juju Watkins might just be the next powerhouse in women’s basketball. She’s already proving her worth as a sophomore, averaging 21.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in the early games this season.

Watkins’ determination is evident in her own words: “Every day we see the two [national championship] banners in the gym and hope to add more. That’s definitely something I take pride in—bringing more hardware here and restoring L.A. and USC basketball to what it used to be.” With her drive and talent, Watkins is well on her way to a career trajectory reminiscent of stars like Clark and Bueckers.