The UCLA Bruins, long undefeated and storming through the season, finally tasted defeat on Thursday night. The cause? JuJu Watkins. Like a buzzer-beater at the end of the game, her dominant performance served as the catalyst for ending UCLA’s 23-0 run, a feat that no team could achieve this season. Her 38-point performance led Southern California to a thrilling 71-60 win, and in the process, added fuel to an already fiery comparison to one of college basketball’s greatest players, Caitlin Clark. The question is now not if Watkins will rewrite the record books, but when.

Fans are already making the comparison, and it’s hard to ignore. “Juju Watkins is gonna break Caitlin Clark’s record when she is done. FIGHT ON!!!” one fan wrote, a sentiment shared by many. Watkins, for her part, respects the Iowa star’s legacy, praising Clark’s skill and character. “Great player, good person as well, she’s been great, and I’m really excited for her at this next stage in her career,” said Watkins.

But when it comes to her own career, JuJu is making waves. Just four games into her sophomore year, Watkins broke Clark’s record, becoming the fastest Power Five player in college basketball history to reach 1,000 career points. Watkins did so in just 38 games, surpassing Clark’s 40-game mark.

Fan reactions: Could Juju Watkins surpass Caitlin Clark’s legacy?

Fans are already declaring her the best two-way player in college basketball. One fan said, “Juju Watkins is the BEST two-way player in college HANDS DOWN!!” With 23.9 points per game (5th in the nation) and 6.7 rebounds, Watkins ranks among the top scorers in women’s basketball. She’s also showing her defensive chops with 1.70 blocks per game, ranking 55th in the country.

Some even go as far as to predict she’ll be the GOAT of the WNBA once she retires. One fan said, “Juju Watkins might be the GOAT of the WNBA once she retires.” While it’s tempting to envision her dominating the professional league, it’s still too early to say. Diana Taurasi’s career proves that achieving greatness requires both longevity and a relentless pursuit of records. It’s a long road ahead, and only time will tell if Watkins can reach those same heights.

Another fan weighed in, saying, “JUJU GOAT WATKINS,” as her legacy continues to grow. But it’s clear there is still room for her to establish herself as the GOAT. While fans eagerly predict her future dominance, the present remains filled with accolades and accomplishments that demand attention.

One fan also noted, “Juju Watkins needs the type of media Caitlin Clark had tbh,” and it’s true that while Watkins is breaking records, she’s not receiving the same media attention just yet. It could be a difference in fan base size or national media coverage, but if she continues on this path, the spotlight will undoubtedly shift in her direction soon.

Another fan bluntly declared, “Juju Watkins is generational I don’t give a F-k,” and with each game, Watkins is proving just how true that is.

In her latest performance, she led USC to a 71-60 upset over No. 1 UCLA, pouring in 38 points and delivering the Bruins their first loss of the season. Even when her team hit a rough patch in the third quarter, Watkins stayed resilient. USC capitalized on UCLA’s 20 turnovers, turning them into 21 crucial points, with Watkins playing a key role in the Trojans’ stunning comeback.

Kiki Iriafen, who had struggled for most of the game, stepped up alongside Watkins, combining for 17 points in the fourth. With a sold-out crowd cheering them on, the Trojans showed the kind of passion that can only be forged in moments like these.

As Watkins continues to shatter records and lead her team to new heights, the question remains: Can she surpass Caitlin Clark’s legacy? The next few years will determine just how much of an impact she will leave on women’s basketball. But one thing is clear: JuJu Watkins is one of the brightest stars in the game today, and her future is as promising as it is exciting.