She’s carrying the torch in only her second year of college, she’s making and breaking records, she’s already drawing comparisons to basketball greats, and she’s still a few years from a pro career. But who does Juju Watkins look up to? The USC superstar has continued the momentum that Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s rivalry started in the NCAA. While they carried it to the WNBA and brought with them insane popularity, Juju is looking at the bigger picture.

While the Women of Troy had a hot start to the 2024-25 season thanks to their chief point-getter, Watkins spoke with Forbes about her rise to fame. As the all-time leading scorer among Division I freshmen last season, Juju is looking at a great future in the WNBA which is on its own rise. When asked about the league’s burst in popularity and success, she wouldn’t solely place credit on Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese’s name.

“Yeah, I’m a big A’ja Wilson fan,” she said, pretty much implying her idol and the reigning MVP deserves credit for the W’s success. If that wasn’t clear enough, she gushed about how much she looks up to A’ja. “So I’m more of a player person, not really teams. But, you know, I love my LA Sparks being from LA. But I’m a big A’ja fan. Just the way she’s so dominant on the floor is really inspiring.”

When she finally brought up the WNBA’s growth, it was to reveal how much she’s excited to be a part of it somewhere in the future. “And just to see the growth in women’s basketball, it’s something to really look forward to as I continue this journey. My goal is just to continue to push the game forward and play to the best of my abilities.”

The admiration is mutual between A’ja and Juju, as seen in multiple interactions recently like the ESPYs. No mentions of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, who were her rivals when she led USC to its first Elite Eight appearance in 30 years. Interestingly, the CC comparisons aren’t lost on her.

Juju Watkins responds to comparisons

Juju Watkins is the new phenomenon in the NCAA whose scoring prowess is drawing comparison to NBA greats. While most see a Carmelo Anthony in her, Melo himself compared her to the GOAT because of her potential in the WNBA. But her presence in women’s basketball in particular feels like the continuity of the Caitlin Clark effect.

State Farm recognized it when they signed Watkins to the same deal they had with Clark at Iowa. After announcing her new sponsorship, Watkins acknowledged the comparisons to CC and said, “I would say I just do my best to be myself and play my way.”

With the comparisons come pressure, but Watkins is great at handling it. “I don’t really think too much about the comparisons or the pressure, but I would say I just go out there and try to have fun, do what I do and continue to work hard. I think that’s my mentality always.” 

She’s already on a clear trajectory for greatness. For now, Juju Watkins has a balancing act to maintain while keeping the Women of Troy in championship contention.