USC Star JuJu Watkins Reaches 1,000-Point Milestone Faster Than Caitlin Clark
In a historic achievement that has turned heads across the basketball world, JuJu Watkins, the standout sophomore guard for the University of Southern California (USC), has reached the 1,000-point mark in her collegiate career faster than some of the sport’s biggest stars, including Iowa’s Caitlin Clark. Watkins hit the milestone during a game against the University of Arizona, marking a new chapter in her already stellar career.
Watkins, who has been one of the most electrifying players in women’s college basketball since her freshman year, achieved the feat in just 47 games—quicker than Clark, who had reached the 1,000-point threshold in 56 games, and other stars like Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart, who took more than 60 games. This impressive feat has solidified Watkins’ status as one of the premier talents in college basketball and one of the most dynamic players to watch this season.
The game against Arizona was a showcase of Watkins’ all-around skills, as she finished with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, leading USC to a dominant victory. Her performance not only secured the win but also etched her name in the history books, further amplifying the hype surrounding her talent. Watkins’ scoring ability, combined with her leadership on both ends of the floor, has made her one of the most coveted players in the nation.
Watkins’ rapid rise to 1,000 career points has sparked comparisons to some of the most decorated players in college basketball history. Caitlin Clark, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the game today, reached her milestone with exceptional scoring consistency and an uncanny ability to take over games. However, Watkins has demonstrated that she, too, has the potential to rewrite the record books in her own right.
Her journey to 1,000 points is even more remarkable given that she was not the first choice to lead USC’s offense when she arrived on campus. After transferring from a local high school in Los Angeles, Watkins quickly acclimated to the college game, emerging as a force to be reckoned with. Her combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ has made her a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
The achievements of JuJu Watkins are even more impressive when considering her contributions to USC’s team success. Under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, USC has quickly become one of the most competitive programs in the Pac-12, and Watkins’ rise has played a pivotal role in that turnaround. Her leadership has elevated the team’s performance, making them a formidable contender in both the Pac-12 and the NCAA tournament.
Following the game, USC’s head coach, Gottlieb, praised Watkins for her incredible work ethic and maturity beyond her years. “JuJu is a special player, and this milestone is a testament to not just her talent, but her dedication and commitment to improving every day,” Gottlieb said. “She’s a leader on and off the court, and we’re all so proud of her.”
As for Watkins, she remains focused on her team’s goals, despite the personal accolades. “It’s an honor to reach this milestone, but it’s all about the team. We’re working toward something bigger, and that’s what matters most to me,” Watkins said after the game.
With the 1,000-point mark behind her, JuJu Watkins will look to continue her upward trajectory as one of the best players in college basketball, and with her incredible talent and work ethic, the sky’s the limit for her and USC. The race for postseason honors, including National Player of the Year, is already heating up, and Watkins is firmly in the conversation, adding another layer of excitement to an already thrilling college basketball season.
