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USC Trojans' JuJu Watkins Named National, Big Ten Player Of The Week: Dominating Women's Basketball

USC Trojans star JuJu Watkins has been named the Associated Press National Player of the Week, USBWA National Player of the Week, and the Big Ten Player of the Week. Watkins averaged 30.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks during USC's two wins last week. 

Kyron Samuels

Dec 10, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) celebrates with head coach Lindsay Gottlieb in the fourth quarter against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Galen Center. USC defeated Fresno State 89-40. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 10, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) celebrates with head coach Lindsay Gottlieb in the fourth quarter against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Galen Center. USC defeated Fresno State 89-40. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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USC Trojans superstar sophomore JuJu Watkins is no stranger to the limelight and being on the receiving end of accolades. This week has been business as usual on that end, as Watkins has been named the Associated Press National Player of the Week, USBWA National Player of the Week, and the Big Ten Player of the Week. Watkins averaged 30.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.5 blocks during USC's two wins last week. 

Watkins is averaging 25.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.6 steals, and 2.1 blocks with a 46.9 percent field goal percentage and 37 percent three-point percentage. Watkins' raw stats are on par with her tremendous true freshman, showing the elevated her to legend status in one season, but her efficiency markers are increased. She’s committing fewer turnovers, shooting a higher percentage from the field and three, and doing it in less time on the floor through ten games. 

“I think one of her greatest aspects is her ability with the circus that goes on around her and everything she carries on her shoulders is that she has this really incredible ability for a young girl person to continually look inward and say okay, what can I control? What can I do better? And to self-reflect. She’s always working on her game and on shooting and on the reads,” said coach Lindsay Gottlieb.

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On Tuesday night, the No. 5 ranked USC Lady Trojans improved to 9-1 on the season after they defeated the 7-4 Fresno State Bulldogs 89-40 in midweek non-conference action in the Matthew Knight Arena. Watkins totaled 21 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one turnover in 31 minutes of play. Watkins and All-American teammate KiKi Iriafen outscored Fresno State 45-40 by themselves. 

In more Watkins news, JuJu Watkins and USC’s women’s basketball team have inked an NIL deal with Chipotle, the restaurant chain recently announced. Watkins and her Lady Trojan teammates will be featured in Chipotle’s marketing initiatives throughout the year. Their “go-to” orders are to be featured on the Chipotle app. Watkins already made history earlier this season with unique Nike and Gatorade NIL deals.

The Lady Trojans are one of the eminent teams in women’s college basketball this season, and Watkins is on pace to have a remarkable season. The JuJu Watkins show on the court is must-see television. Watkins is keeping a scoring pace alongside the greats of the sport, like Caitlin Clark and Elena Delle Donne. Watching Watkins go after these records while improving her efficiency is sure to be one of the highlights of this women's college basketball season.

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Kyron Samuels
KYRON SAMUELS

Kyron Samuels is a former college and professional football player now a writer, analyst, & digital host. Kyron is a writer for USC Trojans on SI and contributes to Oregon Ducks on SI. A graduate and letterman at Jacksonville State University, Samuels was a three-year starter, two-time all-conference, and won three consecutive conference titles. After a four-year professional stint between the AFL & XFL, Samuels retired from football. In 2022, Samuels was inducted into the Fairhope Athletic Hall of Fame. Post-playing career, Samuels has become a credentialed sports media member covering the NFL, UFL, USFL, & college football. The NFL Combine, Reese’s Senior Bowl, & East-West Shrine Bowl are amongst the events Kyron has covered. As a guest and host, Samuels has been featured on ESPNRadio, FoxSportsRadio, & IHeartRadio. Outside of sports media, Samuels works as a scouting consultant and has experience coaching at the collegiate level.

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