Watch out, world—college basketball has a new queen. JuJu Watkins Wins Top Player.
In a jaw-dropping announcement that’s shaking up the women’s college hoops world, USC’s sensational sophomore JuJu Watkins has officially been crowned the top women’s basketball player in the nation, stealing the spotlight from longtime fan favorite Paige Bueckers of UConn.
And she did it without even making the Final Four.
Yes, you read that right. JuJu Watkins wins top women’s basketball player honors in a season-ending twist no one saw coming—especially with Bueckers leading UConn to the NCAA championship game.
But make no mistake: this award belongs to JuJu. Let’s break down how she did it, why it matters, and why she’s just getting started.
Queen JuJu: Crowned in Style
It’s official: JuJu Watkins is the best in the game.
The USC Trojans’ superstar guard has just been named the nation’s outstanding women’s college basketball player, beating out Bueckers by a whopping 46 votes in the final tally. The announcement came Saturday, just days after she also secured The Associated Press Player of the Year title.
The prestigious Wooden Award, determined by a panel of top sportswriters, broadcasters, and past winners, will be formally handed to Watkins on April 11 at the Los Angeles Athletic Club.
“It’s such an honor,” Watkins said in a pre-recorded message. “To be recognized like this—especially among so many incredible players—is a dream come true.”
Paige Bueckers Snubbed?
Fans of UConn were stunned when Bueckers, the golden girl of college hoops and a former winner herself in 2021, lost the award to a player not even active in the Final Four.
But here’s the thing: Watkins earned every single vote.
Let’s talk numbers:
- 24.6 points per game — the highest average in the country this season
- 5.6 rebounds per game
- 3.2 assists per game
- Countless jaw-dropping highlights and clutch performances
Even though a season-ending ACL injury cut her March Madness run short in the second round, her regular-season dominance was simply unmatched.
Who Did JuJu Beat?
The competition was fierce. The other finalists included:
- Paige Bueckers, UConn — NCAA championship contender and 2021 Wooden Award winner
- Lauren Betts, UCLA — towering post presence and dominant inside scorer
- Madison Booker, Texas — versatile forward and floor general
- Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame — electrifying freshman phenom
But in the end, the voters chose power, presence, and poise. They chose JuJu Watkins.
Star Power from Day One
JuJu Watkins has been a household name since high school, when she was already being hailed as “the next big thing” in women’s basketball.
And she delivered.
In just two seasons at USC, she transformed the Trojans from an underdog team to a serious national contender. She brought packed arenas, TV ratings, and a new generation of fans to the sport.
“JuJu isn’t just a great player,” said one ESPN analyst. “She’s a superstar. She moves the needle like no one else in the game right now.”
The Injury That Shocked the Nation
Watkins’ season came to an abrupt halt when she tore her ACL during USC’s NCAA Tournament win over Mississippi State in the second round.
It was a gut-wrenching moment. The arena went silent. Fans held their breath. Her teammates cried. Everyone feared the worst.
And sadly, the diagnosis is real: season-ending ACL tear.
But instead of fading into the background, JuJu’s name continued to dominate headlines, proving just how unforgettable her season truly was.
The People’s Champ
Even off the court, Watkins has become one of the most influential athletes in college sports.
- She’s active on social media
- She signed NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals with top brands
- She is in ad campaigns, podcasts, and magazine covers
- She’s inspiring young girls everywhere to pick up a basketball
“When I see girls wearing my jersey, it blows my mind,” Watkins said. “That’s bigger than any award.”
USC on the Rise
Let’s not forget what this means for USC women’s basketball.
With Watkins at the helm, USC went from a team barely making headlines to national contenders, finishing the regular season with one of their best records in years.
Her presence has changed everything—from recruiting to branding to crowd attendance.
“She’s elevated our program to a whole new level,” said USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb. “And she’s just getting started.”
What’s Next for JuJu?
Recovery. Rehab. And a massive comeback in 2026.
JuJu has vowed to return stronger, hungrier, and better than ever. It is not her end. Not even close.
And if this season was any indication, she might just become a two-time Wooden Award winner before heading to the WNBA.
“This is just the beginning,” Watkins said. “I have so much more to prove.”
Meanwhile, Bueckers Still Has a Shot at Glory
Even though she didn’t take home the Wooden Award, Paige Bueckers isn’t going home empty-handed.
She’s still leading UConn into the national championship game and could finish her incredible comeback season with a title—and maybe a Final Four Most Outstanding Player award.
“Paige is a legend,” Watkins said when asked about the competition. “I’ve looked up to her since high school.”
That mutual respect? Pure class. And pure women’s basketball greatness.
A New Era of Women’s Basketball
The 2025 season has been historic for women’s college basketball.
- Record-breaking TV ratings
- Sold-out arenas
- Superstar rivalries
- Massive NIL deals
- Social media buzz like never before
And at the center of it all? JuJu Watkins.
She’s the face of a movement. A generational talent. And now—the best women’s player in the country.
The Final Word: JuJu Watkins Wins Top Women’s Basketball Player and Changes the Game Forever
With this award, JuJu Watkins joins the ranks of legends. She’s now in the same conversation as Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Caitlin Clark, and yes—even Paige Bueckers.
But she’s not copying anyone’s legacy. She’s building her own.
JuJu Watkins wins top women’s basketball player—and sends a message to the world:
She’s here. She’s fierce. And the future of the game runs through her.
