USBWA writers select USC women's basketball guard for POY

For some USC women's basketball fans, it may seem far from even a small consolation. JuJu Watkins required surgery on her ACL after the second-round game against Mississippi State. Although the Trojans were able to win by a large margin, the basketball community felt the large gap that resulted from her absence from the sport for the time being. That being said, awards are about what happens prior to March Madness, and the play of the guard more than earned her one of significant notoriety.

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was created in 1956 and has since served to celebrate and highlight the accomplishments of players during the season as well as journalistic and off-court aspects of the sport.

For the 2024-2025 season, they have named Watkins as the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award recipient. This is given by the organization to the top Division I women's player in the NCAA. Watkins earns the recognition after a highly impressive year in the Trojans' first year in the Big Ten. For the USC guard, this adds to a number of honors that she has already received and been nominated for. This includes being named as the conference's Player of the Year and an AP All-American First Team member.

It isn't hard to see why the group of over 800 writers have picked Watkins as the standout player for this recognition. There is plenty of talent at the collegiate level and notable athletes who deserve recognition for their play, including Hanah Hildago, Paige Bueckers, and Lauren Betts. The play of the USC guard, however, has definitely stood out from a tremendous group of student-athletes.

While working a two-person game with Kiki Ifriafen, for example, the guard shows her basketball IQ each time she puts on the cardinal and gold. The way she can break down defenses and float through the air after an and-one is something truly incredible when watching her play.

Watkins' efforts and impact on the defensive end also make her the most complete two-way player in the country.

Coach Lindsay Gottlieb explained it perfectly in a post shared on X by the team account after the unfortunate injury news:

"JuJu's toughness, her talent, and her competitive spirit have impacted our program in more ways than people realize and will continue to inspire us in our pursuit of a national championship."

This sentiment is ultimately what the USBWA recognizes and why they collectively came to the conclusion that she deserved to be named the best player in the country for the 2024-2025 season. Fans are, of course, saddened that she will be unable to continue to participate in the NCAA tournament for the remaining rounds, but her imprint on the year is undeniable. 

Culminating recognition for USC women's basketball player

The words from the USC women's basketball coach perfectly encapsulate what makes Watkins special and deserving of the ever-growing lists that she finds her name on. Her play has been at such a high level that most usually exclude 'for a sophomore' when celebrating her spectaculars.