USC sophomore JuJu Watkins is dominating the court and making history, becoming the first Trojans player to win The Associated Press Women’s College Basketball Player of the Year.
JuJu Watkins Makes History As USC’s First AP Player Of The Year
The 19-year-old basketball player earned The Associated Press Women’s College Basketball Player of the Year award on Thursday, April 3.
Watkins, whose team recently secured their first conference championship in 31 years, earned 29 of 31 votes from the national media panel. She became just the fourth sophomore to ever receive the honor and the first USC player to win the award.
Watkins accepted the award via Zoom.
“I’m just so honored to be recognized in this fashion,” Watkins said. “I want to thank my teammates, my amazing coaches, my family, and my friends. They made all this possible. I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love.”
Social Media Reacts To Watkins’ Historic Achievement
Fans celebrated Watkins’ accomplishment in the comment section of The Shade Room, expressing their love for her game and support for her recovery following her recent ACL injury.
Instagram user @ci_sassy wrote, “Much deserved! ❤️ She’ll be back stronger and better 💪🏽.”
While Instagram user @fatbellyjam added, “She can have my ACL!! Lmao I don’t need it, get back out there champ 😂.”
Another Instagram user, @_itsqueentayy, referenced recent reports about Watkins and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, writing, “That boy mama need to be asking JuJu how to get her son to JuJu level 🔥.”
Instagram User @frankabagnale_ wrote, “She might be the best and most polished women’s basketball player I’ve ever seen. Like a female Carmelo Anthony. She gets super busy.”
While Instagram user @zephyrxyla simply wrote, “MY GOAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
JuJu Watkins’ Season Cut Short By ACL Injury
Last month, Watkins’ season came to an end when she was carried off the court in the first quarter of USC’s second-round NCAA tournament game against Mississippi State.
She was later diagnosed with a torn ACL in her right knee and is currently in recovery. Per multiple reports, the standard recovery timeline for an ACL tear is between nine and 14 months.
As for Watkins’ future, USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb told ESPN that her return timeline remains uncertain.
“We don’t know what JuJu will do. Will she take the whole year and redshirt? Will she try to come back at some point?” Gottlieb said. “Those aren’t conversations for right now, but I do think we will dive into how to stay an elite team regardless of the circumstances.”
Watkins finished her sophomore season averaging 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, per NBC Los Angeles.
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