The comparisons between Juju Watkins and Caitlin Clark are a testament to the remarkable talent both players bring to women’s basketball, but they also highlight the unique paths each has carved in the sport. While Juju Watkins is undoubtedly a rising star with an incredible sophomore season at USC, including accolades like Big Ten Player of the Year and unanimous National Player of the Year from The Athletic, it’s important to contextualize these achievements relative to Caitlin Clark’s legacy.
Caitlin Clark’s impact transcends individual accolades. As the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer and a two-time National Player of the Year during her time at Iowa, Clark not only dominated on the court but also revolutionized the visibility of women’s basketball. Her electrifying playstyle, deep three-pointers, and ability to command games turned her into a cultural icon. Clark’s presence in the WNBA spurred unprecedented growth in viewership and ticket sales, with the league experiencing a 400% increase in viewership since her arrival—a feat that would have taken years without her influence.
Juju Watkins, on the other hand, is still in the early stages of her collegiate career but has already demonstrated immense potential. Her record-breaking performances, such as becoming the fastest power forward to reach 1,000 points and her stellar 30-point game against UCLA, have fueled comparisons to Clark. However, Watkins’ journey is far from complete. She has time to build her legacy and potentially surpass some of Clark’s records, but it’s worth noting that her impact is being measured against someone who has already solidified her status as one of the most transformative players in women’s basketball history.
The debate over whether Watkins deserves “Caitlin Clark-level hype” misses the point that both players are exceptional in their own right. While Clark’s influence has been monumental for the sport—bringing in casual fans, increasing media coverage, and setting a new standard for what women’s basketball can achieve—Watkins is just beginning to write her story. Her ability to lead USC to success, break records, and inspire fans suggests she could very well become one of the faces of women’s basketball in the years to come.
As Paige Bueckers prepares to enter the WNBA and Watkins continues to dominate in college, the stage is set for an exciting new era in women’s basketball. The arrival of these young talents promises to create thrilling rivalries and elevate the league’s level of competition. While fans may be eager to crown a “new Caitlin Clark,” it’s crucial to appreciate each player’s unique contributions to the game. Watkins, Bueckers, Angel Reese, and others are poised to carry the torch into this next chapter, ensuring the future of women’s basketball remains bright and dynamic.
Ultimately, there may never be another player quite like Caitlin Clark, whose combination of skill, charisma, and cultural impact has left an indelible mark on the sport. However, Juju Watkins doesn’t need to be “the next Caitlin Clark” to be great—she is carving out her own legacy, one game at a time. As fans, we should celebrate the diversity of talent and storylines these players bring to the court rather than rush to find direct comparisons. Women’s basketball is entering a golden era, and with stars like Watkins leading the charge, the best is yet to come.
