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JuJu Watkins named Naismith Trophy Player of the Year

Andrew Olson

By Andrew Olson

Published:

JuJu Watkins has been named the Naismith Trophy’s Player of the Year for 2025.

Watkins becomes the third Trojan to win the prestigious award, following Lisa Leslie (1994) and Cheryl Miller (1984-86). She is the third consecutive Big Ten player to win the award, after Iowa’s Caitlin Clark won the previous two seasons. Watkins is also the 10th woman in the history of the Naismith Trophy to win the award at both the collegiate and high school levels, after winning the prep award in 2023.

The Naismith Trophy is the latest in a long line of honors recognizing Watkins’ outstanding 2024-25 season. She was named National Player of the Year by The Athletic and Sporting News as well as an All-America First Team pick by the AP, USBWA and Sporting News.

Watkins, who suffered a season-ending injury in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.8 blocks per game, leading USC to a 30-3 record and trip to the Sweet 16. The Big Ten Player of the Year, Watkins turned it up against top-10 competition, averaging 26.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks while shooting 35.4% from 3-point territory.

Watkins beat out Lauren Betts (UCLA), Paige Bueckers (UConn) and Hannah Hildalgo (Notre Dame) for the 2025 award.

Andrew Olson

A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.